Here is the latest single from Minneapolis singer-songwriter Mae Simpson, known for her powerful, compelling voice. Full of nostalgia, ‘Cap Guns’ takes listeners back in time, back to our childhoods, right from the opening: “Cap guns and smoke from our fake cigarettes,” and the repeated line: “If I could wake up in a song,” is particularly evocative here. We lose ourselves quickly in the imagery as the song is propelled along its absorbing melody before bursting into life partway through. Simpson is supported by fine musical performances, including Brian Snowman Powers’ saxophone and Paul Pederson’s trumpet, which add depth and texture to her reminiscences. The way the song grows, along with its changes in pace, are really absorbing.
The Krista Koester-directed video captures perfectly the sense of joy and freedom and friendship found in Simpson’s lyrics. In the cinematic video, the young actors add to the song’s energy and emotional pull, bringing it all to life – the combination of the playful visual, the vibrant music and the vivid lyrical intent is excellent, leaving us reflecting on our own childhood memories. The message is about the importance of trying to reconnect with that youthful freedom and excitement in spite of the pressures that adulthood brings.
The single is the latest from the brand new album, ‘Chandelier & Bloom’, which is out now. After a couple of well-received EPs, this is Simpson’s first full-length release. Her band is known for their passionate performances and energy and ‘Cap Guns’ is a great starting point. Check it out.
