By Libby Driscoll

Known for being one third of Sheffield punks Drastic//Automatic, Sissy Green has swapped his bass for centre stage in his debut single Old and New (ft. godsfavouritecharacters).

Old and New feels like the resident bass player’s main instrument has morphed itself into each aspect of the debut single - from the overdriven fuzzy riff opening the track to the monotonous, choppy vocals, each element feels like its own unique bass line. On the surface, the composition feels very direct, but what I particularly love about Old and New, is that each component is so heavily rhythmic, it works almost as an auditory illusion, where the listener can choose which element is leading the track by simply focusing in on it.

Lyrically, Old and New puts on a front of moving forward with acceptance, continually chanting ‘Out with the old, in with the new’, whilst themes of fear and grief creep up to the surface. Green asks ‘How can we still love our families and our friends even though sometimes they hurt us? And can we make peace with them once they’re gone?’, questions which are embodied in the song perfectly. The rising energy of the matter-of-fact lyrics against club beats and hard-hitting riffs creates an image we’ve all seen before, when the conversation after a few pints takes a darker turn and you let your emotions slip, only to catch yourself again and return to the music as if nothing happened. You just get on with it, despite the turmoil inside. 

Old and New is the perfect example of simple, yet effective. It's punchy, it’s rhythmic, it’s catchy and has that emotional backing which authentically adds something a little deeper. It’s a cool and endearing sneak peek into the solo world of Sissy Green, hinting at many more great things to come in 2024.