Single Review - 18 Stone - Wood Burnt Red

 

When you watch a band perform, up there on stage it is obvious that everything is great for them, that they are smashing it and they have not a care in the world.  Right?  Wrong.

The reality – at least for Wood Burnt Red lead singer Tom Franklin is very different.  Tom tells us that he has endured a lot of negativity in the past:

“Throughout my life growing up, I've had constant comments about my weight, my height (not that that can be helped), the clothes I wear, even my music taste, and it bothered me right up until a few years ago”

Tom, and his fellow band members are using their voice to shout back against this with their new single 18 Stone. 

A song with a social message could be expected to be a heartfelt ballad – but not from Wood Burnt Red.  This song very clearly sticks two fingers up to the haters and detractors and is as much a song of power as of empowerment.

Opening with a crash of guitars and an absolute declaration “Six foot four eighteen stone” it is clear that this song apologises to nobody and for nothing.

It’s a rock song from its instrumentation to its lyrics and in its message.  The repetition of “six foot four eighteen stone” shows that he isn’t bothered – at least not anymore!  “Take me as a I am” is an absolute affirmation for everyone and should be painted on lounge walls instead of the more usual “Live love laugh”.

Having met the band when they headlined the Paddock Stage at Buckle and Boots you can’t help but be struck by their honesty and reality.  This song cements that – it isn’t an attempt to look good or fit into a trend, it’s heartfelt, saying what they want to say whether you want to hear it or not.

“…I wrote this track as a big 'F*** you' to those certain people. This song is about me, so take me as I am... because I'm not changing for anybody!"

The song isn’t one sided, its not just about the storyteller shouting about himself

But right before we do, I want to know a little more about you.

Like where’d you grow up, what fills your cup, what kind of movies are you into?

Authenticity is at the heart of Wood Burnt Red, and at the heart of this song.  No airs and graces, no big time sense of grandeur, these are a set of blokes from the Malverns who happen to be really good at playing their brand of Southern Rock.

Demonstrating that difficult topics don’t have to mean reflective songs, Wood Burnt Red have taken a message and shouted it out in a true Country Music style.  Strident guitars, thumping bass line, excellent lyrics and a powerful vocal delivery make this song an absolute anthem, an anthem to self-acceptance which will resonate with listeners making you think – as well as sing along!

18 Stone, the new single from Wood Burnt Red is available to downloads and stream from Friday 10 November.

You can find the band on Facebook and Instagram and follow them on Spotify

Wood Burnt Red are represented by Zimagined Artist Management

If you've enjoyed this review, please give us a follow on our Facebook page and on our Insta