Uncover Will Allen’s coming-of-age acoustic observe ‘Are You Prepared?’.

Will Allen – Are You Prepared?

‘Take me, sixteen, black denims, lengthy sleeves…’ opens ‘Are You Prepared?’ by Will Allen. It units the stage for this coming-of-age story, the place Allen recounts the assorted levels and classes he’s been by means of in his – admittedly nonetheless younger – life. However, it’s one thing a number of younger listeners will relate to, as they navigate their 20s and all that comes with it. 

Will Allen is a Plymouth-based indie pop singer-songwriter. With a 2020 EP and a handful of singles, he’s gearing up for his subsequent EP and the following section of his profession.

‘Are You Prepared?’is a pacey acoustic observe full to the brim with heartfelt feelings and classes discovered.

Allen’s confessional lyrics recount being ‘unseen on daily basis in school, nobody cares in regards to the man following the principles’, then shift to his college days the place he was ‘working so exhausting that I misplaced observe’, then lastly bidding farewell to ‘the most effective pals I’ve ever recognized’ as he presumably strikes on to chase his goals. There are some wry strains right here, like ‘Even when I can’t end what’s in your cider can’, in addition to some attention-grabbing observations – ‘our tradition teaches to place ourselves first, however after I did that, issues solely received worse’. There are endearing, unashamedly large feelings right here, as he declares himself prepared for love and no matter life throws at him. The melodies veer between traditional pop and staccato early Ed Sheeran sing-rapping, with the ‘misplaced within the center’ hook being memorable. 

It’s a stripped-back observe, that includes some tight harmonies and insistent guitar, and Allen’s pure, youthful vocals. It’s a bit unpolished at instances however might be forgiven for its spirit. Followers in search of their subsequent lyric-heavy singer-songwriter might do quite a bit worse. 

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Phrases Eden Tredwell