By Keith Walsh
Even before David Bowie’s 1975 tune “Young Americans” from his album of the same name, it’s been fashionable for foreign artists to name check the continent in songs. And while it’s more accurate to say “The United States,” the term “America” rolls off the tongue more easily and is the shorthand of choice used by songwriters.
The new song “America” by Taurus 1984 delivers all the retrowave brilliance we’ve come to expect from the British band, with lyrics that tell a story of a broken heart, not unlike the Bowie tune. There’s even an epic sax solo. Failed romance aside, there’s what I thought was a criticism of the U.S. as well.
“I don’t know what you’re looking for, but I’m pretty sure you won’t find it in America.”
From ‘America’ by Taurus 1984
I asked Taurus 1984 band leader Alastair Jenkins about the lyric. “It’s not actually a criticism of America politically or as a country,” he writes. “I love The States and spend a fair bit of time there. However the political climate — similarly to UK — is a bone of contention for me. The song’s actual meaning is contextual. It’s about the muse of the song- a person who won’t find what they’re looking for in America or in fact anywhere. A place isn’t the answer to the crossroads of turmoil that they have found themselves at.”
When I suggested that the song has some of the bittersweetness found in the Bowie track, Jenkins was pleased. “Thank you for the ‘Young Americans’ reference,’ he writes “I am a big Bowie fan and I love that track.”
Jenkins and co-writer Bobby Cole recruited vocalist Karl Lewis for the tune, which features Steve Sax on the instrument of the same name. The upcoming album by the band, Modern Romance, will feature no less than five vocalists. Modern Romance is due July 1 from Outland Recordings and is being produced by Michael Oakley.
Taurus 1984 On Instagram
Taurus 1984 On Facebook
Taurus 1984 On Bandcamp
Taurus 1984 On Twitter
Taurus 1984 On Spotify
Taurus 1984 on Synthbeat.com
finis
