Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards release ‘Oh Songbird’

‘Oh Songbird’ – Cover Art

Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards have unleashed their latest sonic gem, ‘Oh, Songbird’, giving fans a tantalising taste of what’s in store on their upcoming album, slated for release in spring 2024 via Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music.

The track is a masterclass in songwriting, weaving together a guitar riff reminiscent of punk and alt-rock, creating a mesmerising tapestry of rhythmic allure and dynamic vocals. Led by the musical virtuoso Johnny Manchild, the band’s composition, production and vocals showcase an unparalleled fusion of genres. The evolution of The Poor Bastards into a multi-genre ensemble, featuring talents like Ethan Neel on drums and James Thompson on bass, adds layers of complexity and depth to their sound. The infectious nature of ‘Oh, Songbird’ reflects the band’s ability to seamlessly blend diverse elements into a harmonious whole.

Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop aptly questions, “What gives them the right to be this good?” As the anticipation builds for their forthcoming album, it’s evident that Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards are poised to deliver an auditory experience that transcends traditional boundaries, promising a fresh sonic journey in 2024.

Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards
Photo: Dylan Johnson @giantclick

The songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and frontman, Johnny Manchild tells us,

 “I wrote “Oh, Songbird” during COVID, and in the middle of the BLM protests. It became extremely obvious that there were instances of racism in my life and community that I had never been made aware of, and everything seemed so bleak for a while. I had also lost a family member in an accident during this time, which fucked me up more than I realized initially. All of that in combination with the brutal loneliness of quarantine was just soul crushing. I wrote this song as a way to say, things are messed up, and maybe worse than we thought, but things will get better. I think it’s important to believe that things can always get better, especially when you’re in the worst of it.”

Johnny Manchild

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