Today is a big day because independent DIY artist Ace Ambrose is back with a brilliant new single, ‘A Town Called Love’.
I had the pleasure of seeing Ace perform an acoustic set a couple of months ago when she played this song and proudly announced that it was going to be released soon. This made me very excited for a couple of reasons; it has felt like a long two-years with her being on hiatus, and also because of how good of a song it is. Whilst standing in a wet, muddy park listening to her play I was wondering what it would be like recorded. I had a feeling it was going to be great, because it was live when it was just her awesome vocals and guitar, but the recorded version is truly great.
The listener is initially drawn in by an enigmatic yet captivating riff that continues throughout the track performed by guitarist Jack Tate who has been a part of Ace’s band – Ace and the Oddity – for three years now. It’s the kind of riff that gets stuck in your head for a few hours, but you don’t mind because of how hypnotic it is. It keeps the listener enthralled helped by Ace’s beautifully haunting vocals which arrive just in time to guide you on a journey and through the single’s tale.
I love how the increased intensity the further into the song you listen comes from the various beat tracks whether that is from the drum line or the cleverly used sound effects. It becomes progressively busier but in a very effective way. It doesn’t feel overwhelming but important to the narrative of the track.
Despite currently not fully grasping the story behind this single (and my understanding is that Ace loves seeing people try to work it out!!), I still feel like I can relate to it. I get a sense of freedom of oneself when listening to the song, and also hope that love finds a way. The lyrics may be poignant, and I guess it is easier to interpret them in that way because of the tone of the song, but I hear someone standing up for themselves. Standing up for what is right. These lyrics in particular resonate with me:
You can’t take it out, so take me down
I ain’t going away
I could sit down and talk to Ace for hours about her lyrics and the storytelling she manages to portray in her music. Oh, to have her creative mind!
This is actually the third release from her EP ‘Doomsday Was Yesterday’ with the previous two singles, ‘Doomsayer’ and ’The Coming of Age’, released a couple of years ago (you can read my reviews of them by clicking the links). I think this single may be my favourite though!
The themes of each of the tracks are quite different yet still I can feel how they link. It’s quite incredible really to have that level of imagination. Every release that comes makes me even more excited for the next because I find myself leaning forward like I need to know more. It is a constant state of intrigue. It seems like everything Ace does creatively when constructing a new single and everything that comes with it, has meaning and purpose. It’s just about putting together the puzzle pieces – and on every listen I believe I understand more.
I mentioned before about Ace’s hiatus and that’s been down to a string of health-related issues that she has had to learn to manage so she can make music. It’s amazing to see that she’s not only at the point where she’s able to perform in an accessible way which accommodates her condition, but she’s also using her platform to show that it is possible. Her current project is being funded by the Youth Music Next Gen Grant which has enabled her to build a home studio, take production classes and create an immersive concept album from the comfort of her bedroom.
This track was completely self-produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Ace in this bedroom studio, and the mix is quite something because of how she has shaped such an air of mystery that is carried throughout.
If you’re going to do anything today then it has to be listening to this brilliant new single which is available in all the usual places, and please give Ace Ambrose a follow on socials. You won’t be disappointed in continuing to follow this story – I certainly cannot wait for the next chapter.
Socials:
Ace Ambrose: FACEBOOK | TWITTER (X) | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
Me: FACEBOOK | TWITTER (X) | INSTAGRAM
Music, Drums and Me 