Single review of Killin’ Time by Up The Bug
Well, here’s a timely new song from Cheltenham’s best Libertines, ska, folk mash-up. They’re the band Up The Bug, who were quick enough to anticipate how current events might develop in order to write a new song and make a new video, both of which reflect the nature of our lockdown lives. The song is “Killin’ Time” – and this is not a smart-arse pun, because it directly addresses the isolated experiences were all having right now.
So, what’s “Killin’ Time” like? Well, it’s a lopsided celebration of isolation existence, alternating between sloping hang-dog swing, and bright, bouncing ska. The melodica and acoustic guitars swing like a pendulum, and the singer’s voice has dropped in from a soul song. All this slowly makes you feel warm you from the inside out, like a shot of good whiskey… “All the shelves left empty / I hope it will take me gently” they sing as the raggle-taggle music slyly slopes across the room. But then: “You see there ain’t no vaccine / I hope my nan’s alright – I bloody love you Nanny!” they holler as the ska beats bounce.
Up The Bug were keen to make SLAP understand that: “Regrettably the production values of the audio and visual elements aren’t quite up to the standard the band would ordinarily adhere to, with that said the release is still a cohesive product that sounds and looks great.” SLAP would like to say: “Don’t sweat it, ‘Up The Bug’. Your song is uplifting, the delivery is heartfelt, and your video is heart-warming.” This is a song with a wry grin on its face, as it compels your toes to tap and dares your feet to dance. It is a brave attempt at uplift, with its own kind of ramshackle, ragged glory. If you need a smile (and we all do) or if you’re alone, put on “Killin’ Time” and I promise it’ll have you leaping around the kitchen like a loon.
By: Dan Bramhall