Sam Fender’s new album, People Watching, creates an atmospheric, coming-of-age folk that compares to the likes of Noah Kahan.
Fender is not as well known as Kahan, but nevertheless should be recognized to the same degree. The two artists collaborated on Kahan’s song, “Homesick,” which is not surprising considering how similar their styles of music are.
With this album being the first he’s released since 2022, these new songs are a great addition to his discography.
The album focuses on themes of nostalgia and the reality of loneliness to add relatability and depth to its songwriting. For example, the second track on the album, “Nostalgia’s Lie,” details the experience of coming back home as an adult.
He sings, “What is this place / Can you take me back to somewhere, darling / These purple days / Left the violent mark on the oak tree hollow / I was spinning and laughing / Was it ever what I thought it truly was?” This details the unfamiliarity he feels coming back to the town he grew up in.
In addition to the powerful songwriting, the vocals and instrumentals match them. Guitar is heavily used to give the album that indie folk feel, and Fender’s voice has a unique sound due to his strong Geordie accent, which is prominent in North East England.
In one of the singles from the album, “Arm’s Length,” these two features really come to light. Mixing his unique vocals and multiple guitar riffs, this song is a standout on the album.
