The second release of Kerri Watt's latest campaign will see a familiar title to UK Americana fans in "Never Have I Ever", however let's immediately set things straight that this is not a cover of the song released by Gasoline & Matches last year. When Kerri introduced this song at C2C 2024, #TEAMw21 were a little worried that there may be a degree of crossover but happy to report that apart from using the device for decrying things you might actually have done there is little actual comparison. A quick scan of itunes also revealed that this is a framework that has been used many times across genres - so it is not so much the about premise but what the artist can bring to the table to make it their own .
If Kerri's previous single "Predictable" was a stepping stone away from the polished sound of her debut album "Neptunes Daughter" then "Never Have I Ever" goes further in establishing a totally different vibe altogether, this has the feel of a live band in the studio nailing things in one or two takes, it has a vitality and punchy feel to it as Kerri reveals hither too unknown secrets of her childhood years. Co-written with her brother Fraser it's a bit of a joint confession - Kerri was certainly quick to distance herself from the stealing a car line at C2C!
The song opens tp prominent drums, guitar and keyboards - the organ sound especially giving a good time summer vibe to proceedings.
"Growing up I swore I was a good girl - mama never caught me break no rules
On my my best behaviour - I was no hell raiser!
But i couldn't keep it up forever - I let loose when I left home
Now I've got to get it off my chest - all the stuff I promised back then!"
The chorus
"Like never have I ever got tattooed - that something only bad girls do
I never got loud cos the bar shut down - stole a car and raced about town
Never have I ever rode a motor bike - I'm all about that quiet life
Never have I ever got too drunk - Never have I ever lied this much!"
Kerri always a superior wordsmith so naturally in her heady days
She was "Howling with her wolf pack - Sipping on a bottle of Jack!"
The latter stages incorporate a party atmosphere, and the one production touch is the additional backing vocals on the chorus building up the layers of sound.
The song ends on a final shake of Kerri's tambourine.
It's bright and breezy and tailor made for the summer.