Thee Mighty Saint Pancras – Lucky Jim (2024)
Whenever I read the name of London’s historic train station St Pancras, I always end up saying “pancreas” in my head. Well, the rock band Thee Mighty Saint Pancras will shake up your pancreas, stomach, lungs, liver, brain and everything else with their high-voltage music. Formed by Peter Wooding (guitar) and Lewis Richardson (drums) in a “grimy back street pub behind St Pancras station”, Thee Mighty Saint Pancras plasters together the sounds of various generations ranging from vintage protopunk to contemporary indie-pop. Joined by Matt Stuttard (bass) and frontman Peter Cornelius Ford, the lads ooze enigmatic charm with a cheeky wink.
Following the Covid pandemic lockdowns, the UK-based quartet quickly captured audiences playing gigs across the London circuits. Alongside the intoxicating shows with their confident swagger, Thee Mighty Saint Pancras turn heads internationally with their online offerings. In May 2024, the group released three singles including the song ‘Lucky Jim’ – that’s the one we’re taking a gander at.
The second of the string of releases this month, ‘Lucky Jim’ joins ‘Fat On Fruit’ and ‘Sneaky Freaky’. As with ‘Fat On Fruit’ and ‘Sneaky Freaky’, ‘Lucky Jim’ exudes a forceful rock boldness, however, it appears to be slightly easier on the ears than the raging ‘Fat On Fruit’. Smashing together vintage indie-rock with slathers of punk resting in a cup of classic rock, Thee Mighty Saint Pancras are simultaneously mad and sincere in ‘Lucky Jim’.
While ‘Lucky Jim’ is a guitar-driven track, Richardson’s pounding drums demand you pay attention to their hard-hitting boldness. Ford’s obscure vocals ring of 80s punk-tinged garage rock while Stuttard’s bass enhances the brash intensity of the single. Interestingly, while a slip of distortion and individuality is evident between the instruments, an intricate harmony exists within ‘Lucky Jim’. Soothing and symphonic sentiments travel through the raw chaos of its raging exterior.
It might sound strange but my favourite part of ‘Lucky Jim’ is the end. I am disappointed that the track is finished, but the closing acts like a full stop to the song with its slowdown in melody; almost like the lads’ step back with a “well, that’s it…next train please” attitude. This is my introduction to Thee Mighty Saint Pancras and I am eager to hear more from the talented group.
Find out more about Thee Mighty Saint Pancras on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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