Jake Bugg – Taste It EP

Jake Bugg is a teenage boy from Nottingham, but don’t let that put you off. So far removed from the One Directions/Conor Maynards/etc of his generation, this young man produces country folk ditties with such ease. You may have already heard his unique voice in the Greene King IPA adverts, where his Country Song is featured, and like myself, not realised it was the work of a young British kid.

Taste It, his EP and first UK release is a testament to that country soul. The title track and forthcoming single is a brilliant slice of folk with that yankee country twang. The tone of his voice is unlike anything from anyone in the charts today. Perhaps not surprising, as Bugg is the complete opposite if the electro-pop, auto tuned r’n’b clan.

Kentucky carries on this vibe, sounding as it if the track has just leapt straight out of the state itself, whereas Green Man sounds more 60s, it’s a lot darker and sexier than his other song and it has real hit power. There’s wisdom in Jake Bugg’s youth and he sings it with conviction, he has the potential to be a great and respected singer-songwriter of this generation.

Bugg is making music beyond his years, but he’s not out of his depth. His voice holds the wisdom and tone of someone older and more worldly. With this EP having been brought forward for release due to popular demand, it can only mean the album (due out in October) will be even better, right? I hope so, as so far Bugg is a pleasure to listen to.

jakebugg.com