Album Review: Chris T-T - Words Fail Me EP

Chris T-T is definitely the Obi-Wan Kenobi to Frank Turner’s Anakin Skywalker. He’s been doing what Frank does now for a lot longer, but perhaps to a slightly less populist level. Chris T-T’s music is very similar to that of the globe-conquering Turner, though it leans ever so-slightly more towards the folk end of the spectrum. ‘Words Fail Me’ is a digital EP that is in essence a single for the title track. It features said track from album ‘Love Is Not Rescue’ in both the album version and as an acoustic track; as well as a piano only version of previous single ‘Nintendo’ and one other track. This immediately makes the EP, either one for the purists or a starting point for Chris.

‘Words Fail Me’ is an obvious choice for a single, it utilises the story-telling aspect of folk, and overlays the witty anecdote on an optimistic pop beat. The radio edit is superior to the acoustic version, purely because it’s more interesting. The drums and trumpet add significantly to the track, and in their absence the track becomes a little repetitive.

The two tracks that are sandwiched between the different versions of ‘Words Fail Me’ are entirely instrumented by piano and Chris’ voice. The first track is a cover version of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’. It’s a quirky enough interpretation of the dance hit, but it’s lacking in the atmosphere and passion of the following track, ‘Nintendo’. The piano on this track is far more complex and atmospheric, and Chris’ vocals are fuller and more passionate. Though unfamiliar with the original version, the solo piano version seems like the way the track was intended to be performed.

There is no denying Chris T-T’s talent as a musician and song-writer and an albums worth of material would be a salivating prospect, however this EP is lacking in something. Only the radio edit of the title track and ‘Nintendo’ are really worth shelling out for and both songs are on the album in some form.

3/5

‘Words Fail Me EP’ by Chris T-T is available now through Xtra Mile Recordings

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Dan Issitt