Coming out of Salford, sad films is a musical storyteller and the alter-ego of singer-songwriter Dan Lucas. His desire to break free from the constraints of modern life’s monotony fuels the creation of a musical persona that’s at once vividly expressive and entirely genuine.
Channeling inspiration from the genre-fluid output of artists like R.E.M., David Bowie and Father John Misty, cut with the storytelling flair of John Prine, Leonard Cohen and Alex Cameron, sad films constructs his own artistic sphere; one that’s accessible and original in equal measure. With playful lyrics delivered via memorable melodies, he brings to life a world shaped by the influences of television.
Last November he captured the project’s sound in the studio and release his debut single with the track “Plugged In.” Despite his recent arrival to the music scene, he’s linked up with his band to play sold-out show with Manchester’s own Manilla Times as well as supporting international artists like AINAKANNA from Japan on their UK tour.
Now with his first EP set to drop in the spring, he brings us his latest release with the new single titled “Dog Day.” Building on the jangly indie rock sound that saw his debut strike a chord with listeners, “Dog Dog” delivers the next chapter in the engaging sad films musical adventure.
Opened by the airy flutter of a soft spacey synth, the rustle of a snapping drum kit injects a subtly grooving energy as bright instrumental tones dance above. The artist’s rich vocal leads glide in over the pulse of a bass guitar, setting up an indie sound that echoes his influences from yesteryear while wrapping them in his thoroughly current style. Delicate guitar chords add colour as the sway of the rhythm casts a dreamy atmosphere as his voice gives way to playful surf-rock tinged guitar leads.
Distilling the relatable experience of unrequited love through his honest and at times, blunt lyricism, “Dog Day” is a bittersweet anthem about complex and brittle feelings in the internet age. Delightful and breezy from start to finish, with his sophomore single, sad films delivers a song that’s impossible not to love, while instilling the charming sound with meaningful and compelling songwriting. With his forthcoming EP on the horizon, fans won’t have to wait long for their next dose of the alluring sonic world that sad films is crafting.
Commenting on the single, he shares, “Exploring the desperate, and sometimes criminal, lengths people can resort to in order to communicate those three little words, ‘I love you’, Dog Day is a love song if it was held at gun point. A journey through the ghost train of toxic male ego, all small dogs barking at shadows with cheap jewellery and bad opinions in abundance at the gift shop. Tap your feet, sing along and hope that guy doesn’t call you back.”
Listen to Dog Day below
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