Words by Tom Farmer- @tomfarmer5000 @TomFarmerJourno
Whilst it may sound like he’s paying homage to a shift in an Amazon warehouse or long-distance lorry-driving, Tom Auton’s latest single “9 Til 9” is an intelligent and well-crafted analysis of the journey to acceptance in the music industry. To a backdrop of crisp and clean rock fused with funkier basslines, it is guaranteed to get your feet stomping.
Hailing from Cardiff, Tom Auton has already been making waves across the Severn Estuary with his songwriting and self-production. Following breakout single “Mother Mary”, a track which has amassed almost half a million streams on Spotify, Auton has gone from strength-to-strength over the last three years. With the backing of Spotify playlist curators and BBC Introducing, the Welsh songwriter has made a name for himself, recording and producing tracks out of his parents’ living room. With a rock ‘n’ roll/disco fusion, Auton’s sound is reminiscent of Royal Blood’s sonic evolution, with his own rendition of single “Typhoons” being critically acclaimed by the rock duo themselves.
Musically, the track oozes bravado and passion. From a distorted “1, 2, 3, 4” at the beginning of the track, it is explosive and vivacious from the beginning. Yet, lyrically, the track is much more personal and honest. The title “9 Til 9” refers to a whole day that Auton spent analysing one of his songs, asking why he couldn’t fit into the mainstream music industry. Impassioned, he asks “now I’ve changed my clothes, can I breathe your air?”. Yet, whilst ultimately a song about rejection, it maintains an uplifting and determined message. Honest and anecdotal, I’m sure the track would ring true to many young musicians.
Despite its slightly nihilistic sentiment, it’s still a foot-stomping, blood-stumping, rip-roaring anthem. Oozing rock ‘n’ roll flair, whilst also maintaining a polished and fine-tuned sound, the 21 year-old Welsh musician is certainly one to watch.
'9 TIL 9' is out now on all major streaming platforms.
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