Track of the Day: Calum Ingram – The Man (2024)
“Music is a powerful thing that can heal and bring people together while lifting their spirits” – open Calum Ingram’s official website and you’ll read this line in bright red and white. The truth is, he’s damn right that music can connect people and lift their spirits. Think of your favourite song and the chances are, even if it is a brooding ballad about lost love, another person someone will resonate with the lyrics, and you feel happier just by hearing it. We came across Ingram last month with his single ‘Cup of Urafain’, and today he wriggles into our ears once again with ‘The Man’.
Following his well-received collaboration with Michael Ronstadt, ‘Cup of Urafain’, singer-songwriter Calum Ingram shifts from a vintage folk-rock sound to a groovier brand of funk and alternative rock in ‘The Man’. They say some of the greatest ideas form when you least expect them; ‘The Man’ serendipitously came about during an improvised jam between Ingram and his band. Interestingly, while sophistication exists in the melody, a hum of wildness takes you to the moment of improvisation.
Drawing together the stylings of Ingram (vocals and cello), Chatona Ridley (bass), Moss Taylor (keys) and Jose Rojas (drums and percussion), ‘The Man’ is a slip to the 1970s with its kaleidoscopic flair of funk-rock. For me, every element of ‘The Man’ pulls you deeper into a pool of astounding music. From the heart-pounding keys to the slick bass and the thrilling percussion, ‘The Man’ is an intoxicating tune. Yet, Calum Ingram’s contribution takes the tune to another level. His fascinating cello and the way he runs from funk to jazz and rock – it’s astonishing.
The melody can intoxicate but profoundness lies in ‘The Man’. Using his smooth, rich vocals, Ingram warms your heart while tackling provocative issues. Ingram explains:
“It’s about the idea of someone towering over you, showing you that they are the only ones worthy of power. It’s also about the stranglehold that men have had over women through the generations. I feel very passionately about women’s rights, so this is a reminder to people that are stuck in the past to wake the hell up!”
If the Suffragettes were to have a theme song, it would probably be ‘The Man’.
Find out more about Calum Ingram on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more alternative rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
