Wolverhampton’s Jim Hudson set to release new single ‘No Escape’ this February 

Creative Control 

After meeting Jim Hudson during one of his performances at The Victoria last year, it was refreshing to meet someone with this much passion for what he does. Playing a style influenced chiefly by early 90s alternative and indie, Jim rekindled his love for the guitar 8 years ago when he started recording demos. Declaring himself a feel musician who wants to play what he likes primarily, his artistry is a great example of independent musicians enjoying the benefits of creative control and total ownership of their art. Amid Spotify and the plastic hipster’s vanity record collection, Hudson is true to what he does.  

 Inspiral Magic Carpet

No Escape has a steady rhythm and a Ringo drum beat happily paired with jangly guitars and a haunting Tom Delonge-style vocal, you get the sense in the delivery of heavy emotions, with the rhythm section providing the warm hug for a consolation. There is an emo energy, the Blink-182-isms are swiftly swallowed up by an Inspiral-magic-Carpet being ridden by Keane’s Tom Chaplin, providing a surprising and original group of influences brought together to let you know how it feels to have No Escape.

 Acoustic guitars strummed gently evolve into a greater guitar soundscape during the bridge and instrumental sections. The instrumental guitars that feature in the latter part of No Escape are entertaining as a guitar player, the tones are evidently spot on and contribute a nice indie rock exterior to the vulnerable soft centre. The track features several sections and is structurally mature. 

 Heart On His Sleeve

Lyrics speaking of loneliness, isolation, hope and ultimately escape, the song comes to an end with the lyrics of “fly away” being backed by some uplifting organs providing a deep-rooted sense that things can and will get better, but still leaving us with a sense of needing to get better. The heavy emotion displayed in the track is powerful and consuming, with Hudson wearing his heart on his sleeve lyrically and musically for all to see and hear. The production provides a natural sound, with most of the sound being dry and straight to the point which ultimately leaves the nice indie rock, almost punk edge to the exterior.  

 Evolution

As Hudson continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that his sound is not just a nostalgic nod to the past, but a living, breathing testament to his growth as a human. No Escape marks a significant moment in his journey, one that promises to resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate music that’s as honest as it is cathartic. With his commitment to staying true to himself and his craft, Jim Hudson is carving out a place for himself in the West Midlands indie music landscape. You can listen to No Escape 4th of February and can find Jim Hudson on social media and streaming platforms, as well as find him around Brum and the Black Country performing with his band. 

Daragh Guest