Geoff Wilbur’s Music Blog contributor James Morris has reviewed Cain Rising‘s first two singles – here are links to his takes on “Rear View Mirror” and “Glasgow City Spires” – and he’s penning a review of the group’s soon-to-be-released Rear View Mirror EP. I’ve heard (and enjoyed) the first two pre-released singles. I’ve not heard the rest of the EP, but I do have a copy of the third single, “Social Man,” and I thought it might be interesting to pen my own review of it. I had hoped to review it closer to the single’s June 5th release date, but as you may have noticed, my writing time has been a bit sparse this summer. I’ve been enjoying some great music this summer, and I can’t wait to tell you about more of it, but my writing time has been virtually nil. I hope I’ve now started to get back into a bit of a rhythm. In any case, let’s get to the review…

Single Review of Cain Rising: “Social Man”

image courtesy of Cain Rising

“Social Man” is a pleading, heartfelt, classic blues-based rock ‘n roll confession. It opens with frontman Southside Jimmy Price accompanied solely by a piano, with harmonica later joining the fray for emphasis. Throughout the song, Jimmy’s voice is raw, emotional, as if he’s baring his soul. The tempo never really picks up and the intensity never lessens, nor do either of these need to happen. It’s one of those honest songs that connects to the listener at a primal level. When performed live, I’d expect an arena full of fans swaying, holding lighters aloft. And there’s such an old-school feel to “Social Man,” it would have to be lighters; mobile phones simply wouldn’t feel right.

I’d hate to call this my favorite of the three songs I’ve heard so far; it’s different and isn’t really fair to compare directly, but it is a favorite.

I’m looking forward to reading James Morris’ review of Cain Rising’s full EP in the Blog soon; I hope you’ll look for it, too. In the mean time, check out Cain Rising’s third pre-released single and get to know this solid old-school rock band. Indeed, if you missed them, follow the links in the first paragraph and read James’ reviews of the first two singles; he digs a bit more into the band itself in those write-ups.

Looking Ahead

A glance at Cain Rising’s website currently lists two upcoming shows. First, on Saturday, September 2nd, at CatFest in Salford. Then, on Friday, October 21st, at The Wheatsheaf in Leighton Buzzard. And, of course, there’s an EP release in the band’s near future, too.