Completing the third taster from Charm Of Finches new album "Marlinchen In The Snow" is their latest single" If You Know Me". It sets the expectation that this album is going to be an incredibly variable soundscape. Following the sleek punchy pop of "Clean Cut" and the kooky brilliance of "Middle Of Your Mess", this latest single is probably their most conventional sounding yet is blessed with a beautiful self awareness which translates into a most hypnotic tune that also features a guest 2nd verse appearance from Paper Kite's front man Sam Bentley.
It covers the initial mystique that might be affected at the start of a relationship, where not wishing to seem to eager can be misconstrued as being too aloof, right through to gradually revealing more about yourself in the delightful chorus.
Starting musically as a simple combination of organ and drums, it is the ethereal vocal that really grips and hold the attention, slightly dreamy though with a definite steeliness,
"No one will ever know all the secrets that hide behind my frown
You think I’m cold as the winter, warm as the sun when it’s down
And my face it seems to say to anyone that comes my way
‘Get the hell away from me or I'll pin you down’
If the verse is the cold outer exterior then the chorus in contrast is like a warm open fire. Strings punctuate the overall sound
"But if you know me
You know that I like to talk
That I like to read your thoughts
And I’ll hold you if that’s what you want from me tonight"
Giving the second verse over to another singer, on such a personal song seems like it would be a mistake, however Sam Bentley of The Paper Kites does an exemplary job of matching the mood and atmosphere, his timbre and tone fit perfectly, the words seem to just gently tumble out
"And I know I can be misleading when I don’t give you what you’re needing
Like a light in the evening, rain on a summer’s day
But I wanna be around ya, baby come on let the fire surround ya
I can burn with or without ya, tell me you’ll stay"
The second chorus sees a piano make a brief but telling appearance as it cuts through the second half of the chorus.
The final verse sees, the two sides meet, the offhand and the warmer softer side.
"And I know I can be a downer, a pessimistic, killjoy, frowner
But I wanna be around ya, know that I do
And I’ll say what I wanna say even if it’s not what you wanna hear today
And I’m sorry for your dismay, come on, give me a break"
The final chorus ends up on a tender light hearted note of optimism.
"Yeah if you know me
You know that I like to joke
So before this goes up in smoke
Why don’t you get to know me"
The final line repeated three times is where we leave things on this most engaging of singles.
Sure to one of the tours of the year - do not miss out on Charm Of Finches
