SINGLE REVIEW: AMY JO - HYPOCRITE (LA DA DI DA) + SONGS FROM THE BAY - EP
- CHRIS FARLIE
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Fresh from supporting Jonny Morgan & The Moral Support in Leeds comes the new single from Amy Jo - with the somewhat intriguing title "Hypocrite ( La Da Di Da), the first release from her forthcoming album. With an EP and assorted singles over the last few years, now seems a good time to become acquainted with Amy Jo as she heads for a more raw and energetic feel.
There is definitely a degree of low fi simplicity on "Hypocrite" yet there is no shortage of musical ideas, the intro may be mainly mandolin, yet the 2 second lead in, is designed to capture the listeners attention which it more than manages to do.
"I want snow in the summertime
That would suit me fine for tonight
I love home, but it feels too long
When my heart belongs to the light"
The pre chorus lyrics are also designed to rise a wry smile with some neat wordplay.
"So I'm on the fence - here's my two pence
It's ok to be conflicted, I'm about to contradict it"
The chorus keeps up the same level of smart word play, while musically all sorts of things vie for you attention. the mandolin, the minimal yet effective percussion, occasional keyboard flourishes and crowd shouting noises all serve to keep the listener alert.
"I'm a hypocrite, and I'm proud of it
I don't know where I fit, and that's ok
So don't ask my advice, it might seem wise
But I'll change my mind anyway
Who cares about tomorrow just be happy for today?"
The second verse pulls the listener in more
"All these big ideas always end in tears"
The "La da di da" bridge section that follows the second chorus is perhaps our least favourite part of the song, yet it houses the most inventive work as regards backing vocals so the two points just about equal each other out.
The closing section is full of more pithy comments from Amy Jo, signing off in style.
Having heard the promise in her latest song it seemed a little rude not to do a deeper dive on this new arrival to the #TEAMw21 radar.
Amy Jo's debut EP, "Songs From The Bay" is also well worth investigating. Hailing from Morecambe hence the bay reference, it shows more lyrical tenacity and musical inventiveness. Take the piano introduction of the opening track "Coming Close" which would set the scene for a dream sequence if used in a film! The opening verse is a delight
"I wrote a song called "If The World Was Ending"
But JP Sachs wrote a better one
Almost went to a Hollywood party
And nearly met Elton John
Thought by now I'd have moved out
But I still haven't done
I trace my steps and chase my shadows
Wondering what I'm doing wrong"
There's a lot of ideas to unpack, the knowing opening, quoting another artist, the Hollywood party could have many film stars present yet she chooses Elton John to not quite meet, a musician well known for his post Oscar parties. There is also a sense of frustration and wanderlust, that maybe Morecambe is not quite delivering on.
Musically the chorus is once again musically simplistic yet highly effective, the perfectly picked out piano, the unfussy percussion and guitar all work in exact harmony, while Amy Jo's vocals are divinely delivered as she takes us on a trail of lyrical breadcrumbs leading us eventually to the crux of the song
"Coming close is the hardest part
Never knew a silver medal could break your heart
Coming close just isn't good enough
Guess It's like almost being in love"
The attention paid to the backing vocals throughout is again sublime. inventive and well worked to a level not met by many UK Americana artists. There's a particularly well thought out section reinforcing what not coming first means, ending on a powerful plea.
"It's like being the aunt not the Mother, the friend not the lover
The mistress but never the wife
Being the vice, not the President, support not the main event
Can I be the leading lady once in my life?"
"February 14th" is a track that is a little off kilter, it seems as if it's going to be a sad Valentine's Day song from the perspective of not having a significant other and the talk of "Drive In's" and "Rings" almost feels a little forced however just as we were about to raise a quizzical eyebrow, Amy Jo pulls it back with a couplet we never saw coming
"I'm sure there's a guy getting ready for a date
But he ain't quite sure if the man he likes is straight!"
In truth the lyrical pudding gets somewhat emotionally over egged as Amy Jo goes for the jugular with the couple in the 80's. It all just overwhelms what is a heartfelt chorus that stands on its own and does not need quite so much additional support. Sometimes less is more.
"Shoulder Pads" is a complete sound change, it more than wears its Winehouse influences on its sleeve - it all but screams them. It is not that it is bad, far from it, it just seems conspicuously out of place on this EP and should maybe have been saved for another day.
"Caught Me On A Bad Day" closes the EP, it starts by using a similar attention grabbing opening to the current single, before developing into a more regular guitar and drum sound. The opening verse starts to pull together two strands of a story line, an ill fated date, and a day where things are not going quite as usual.
"It's been 3 weeks, haven't seen you around
Cause it ended in tears, the first time around
I woke up this morning, didn't brush my hair
I put my socks on but they weren't a matching pair
But why today?"
The assumption might be that Amy Jo has been so mortified that she has let herself go whereas in fact as the chorus makes clear it is the complete opposite.
"If only you'd seen me last Friday night
Red lipstick and a dress that fits just right
I had it together, wasn't wearing this sweater
I swear I'm doing ok - you just caught me on a bad day!"
The embarrassment continues for the opening line of the second verse before a certain sassiness takes over and reasserts Amy Jo's confidence
"Nails are red, one of them smudged
Didn't bother starting over, please don't judge
Why'd I even care? - I'm happy in my skin
Even with no make up and a spot on my chin!"
The real reason for the awkwardness is revealed later
"It wasn't how I thought our first encounter would be
Guess I really wanted you to regret losing me"
It is without doubt an experimental EP but packed with invention in both sound and lyrics, showing an artist finding out what works and what doesn't. It is clear that the lessons learnt from it will go on to inform the choices the Amy Jo makes for her next album, just from the evidence of the opening single. The official video also makes full use of the scenery of her home town and makes for a fine advertisement.
It should also be noted that Amy Jo pays a lot of attention to her supporting videos, each song having its own visually impressive lyric video as well as the normal version, all of which are well worth diving into.
