Champ announce debut EP, drop wistful indie rocker ‘Born in the Wild End’
The new track sees the Hartlepool boys channelling their inner Springsteen.
Photo: Lily Henderson
CHAMP’s new single, Born in the Wild End, has an unashamedly Sam Fender feel, itself derivative of Springsteen’s heartland rock, kept alive these days by groups like The Killers.
How this four-piece from Hartlepool managed to create something that sounds so deeply American — as American as Tom Petty or pumpkin pie — is astonishing. Indeed, from the first chord and the first word, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was some stripped-back, acoustic rendition of the Boss’ ‘Nam-bashing classic.
But there’s more to the group’s debut title track than just the obvious. At its climax, it’s indie rock ecstasy with echoes of The Vaccines’ 2024 release, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.
In the track’s relenting troughs, there’s a nuance and depth akin to something from fellow northerner Knopfler. All the comparisons to say, Born in the Wild End is something between a great indie track and the kind of ambitious reach most musicians long for on a sophomore release. That this is the title track from their debut effort means we must be in good company.
Born in the Wild End is out November 28th.