SINGLE REVIEW: TAYNEE LORD - GAME OF CHESS
A recent re-acquaintance at Country Calling on the Caffe Nero stage, where she provided an electrifying performance, alerted #TEAMw21 that a whole EP from Taynee Lord, had passed us by. We'll circle back for the full EP, however first let's look at the last single, "Game Of Chess" which sees Taynee's staring out at the viewer from its cover, she has a headband of chess pieces alternating in colour with the black king resting upside down on the bridge of nose. It's a slightly unnerving stare, that gives little away in terms of emotion.
On the day she admitted she was no Grandmaster, having based her knowledge on "The Queen's Gambit" but that has not got in the way of Taynee using the games terminology as a metaphor to produce a cracking little single. The opening ten seconds of guitar intro gives little indication of quite where the single will go, but Taynee's arrival much like when she takes over in her live shows soon kicks things off proper.
"Life is a Game of Chess -
Sometimes we lose - reassess
Stand back - don't second guess
Me and you, ain't the same
Don't go and rush the end game
You won't play by the rules
What will you choose
When you make the next move?"
This is but the prelude to the song really kicking off for when Taynee, reinforces the last line
"Go and make your next move"
There is a burst of energy, the pace increases as Taynee "oohs" the next section, and when the band return for the second verse, we are in full power pop mode, with Taynee as the all powerful white Queen
"Seeing things in black and white
Queen Bee to king lost in the night
Get of your high horse
Life is sure going to run its course
Me and you, this ain't fair
No time left to repair,
If you won't play by the rules"
There's a section where Taynee progressively sings louder to match the band whose playing has become ever more vibrant that gives things an almost new wave feel, brimming with energy and attitude as she repeats
"When you make the next move - Go and make your next move"
It is only as Taynee resumes her "oohing" to see out the track that you suddenly realise that she has circumvented tradition, as effectively there is no chorus, at least not in the traditional sense, yet is the song lacking in any way? - No not at all!!
