We might be slightly late to the party, but last month, Bradley Simpson released his debut solo album, The Panic Years, and we simply can’t get enough.
The Vamps front man has been teasing the new album for what feels like forever. His debut single, “Cry at the Moon”, was released in March last year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the full album.
The album tells the story of heartbreak, love, and self-discovery through your 20s – the so-called "panic years”. The album is deeply infused with Brad’s personal touch, offering an intimate glimpse into his relationships through heartfelt lyrics. Its sound carries echoes of The Arctic Monkeys, blending together to create a mix that beautifully ties Brad’s emotional songwriting with his unique influence.
Our personal favourite from the album has to be track number eight, “Almost.” This sultry, tension-filled song captures the story of a push-and-pull dynamic – one that’s bad for you, yet so close to being the best thing that’s ever happened to you.
The album strikes the perfect balance, with catchy sing-along car songs and heart-wrenching tracks to add to your sad songs playlist. Each one uniquely captures the highs and lows of life’s infamous panic years.
To celebrate the release of his new album, Brad has played a series of intimate gigs across the country. We were fortunate to attend both the London and Bristol shows, each equally electrifying. The Bristol gig stood out as a particularly special experience. Strange Brew, being a much smaller venue, created a more intimate and personal atmosphere for the performance.
Although the show had an otherwise warm and fun atmosphere, a few fans made it a bit less enjoyable by loudly screaming the lyrics to "Carpet Burn”. While everyone enjoys gigs in their own way, there’s an unspoken etiquette at concerts that some don’t seem to be aware of. Singing along is great, but shouting the lyrics during a quiet acoustic song isn’t just disruptive to those around you – it’s also disrespectful to the artist.
The otherwise great shows were a fun way to tease the new album with fans ready for The Panic Years tour in May. Set with a full band, the upcoming tour will take on the UK and Australia. With the album now fully released, it’s sure to be an amazing show, no matter where you attend.
The Panic Years is available on all streaming platforms now.
Photos by Raquia Ali.
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