"Slept On": Strong Autobiographical Songwriting From Jrowsy

Peterborough's Jrowsy [photo: @mt.33media]

"When I look back at my past," starts JROWSY's latest, "I'm not very proud". This sets the scene for "Slept On", the latest single by James Smith, otherwise known as Jrowsy. The release follows the successful "Buy a House", and is laying the foundations for an upcoming EP.

Instrumentally, there's not an awful lot to talk about. The track is as stripped back as it gets - an electric guitar lays down the music, whilst vocals add melody on top. The vocals are appropriately melancholic, carrying the song and adding the necessary weight and emotion to make this a strong track.

It's been five years since the song was written (Smith is now 32 instead of the "27" mentioned), but the resonance and the emotion hasn't been lost. It's a particularly sombre track as a result, with Smith talking to himself just as much as he is to the audience.

There's no massive production or any fancy technical add-ons, but this is very much a prime example of 'less is more'.

Smith has taken an autobiographical approach with the songwriting, reflecting on his past and opening up. This is the song's strongest point, almost emphasised by the lack of instruments.

The focus here is very much on the songwriting, which is where Smith excels, the guitar acting as mere accompaniment to the heavy lyrics.

"Slept On" is out now [photo: Jrowsy]

"Slept on" is out NOW on streaming services