SLYDER SMITH - ‘Nobody’s Listening’ Single review

Lyrically, the song rails against the difficulty in being heard amongst almost endless noise in the world we live in. 

Instead of trying to compete and out-do the noise by producing something louder and brasher, the song takes a different approach … and which requires actual listening, as, if like me initially, you just put this on in the background you may miss out on a really rewarding listening experience.

Opening with a raw and distinctive guitar riff which is repeated throughout and guides the song along, the pace is mostly low to mid-tempo with a melancholic under-stated vocal layered above - a combination which may not cut through or encourage repeat listening when listening casually. Also, if you were expecting ‘Oblivion Kids’ or ‘Glitterball Apocalypse’, you won’t find it here. 

However, give ‘Nobody’s Listening’ a proper listen and the experience is very different and much more rewarding. You know what I’m talking about - put down your mobile phone, stop scrolling online and being part of the noise, sit back, turn this up loud and actually listen. If you’ve put headphones on, even better. 

Like so many great songs ‘Nobody’s Listening’ isn’t an instant attention grabber, but a grower and with longevity. With each new listen it sonically seduces the senses and is beguiling, hypnotic, multi-layered, lush and very well produced. Presenting a change in sound and influence, it retains Slyder’s glam heritage, but is probably closer to early 70’s Bowie than the glam-tinged pop of the Last Great Dreamers. 

As a taster for the new album, you’ve got my interest.

I’m listening.

‘Nobody’s Listening’ is available on the usual digital platforms and is also available as a limited edition signed CD with two additional acoustic tracks - ‘Pleasure Victim’ and the alway great cover of Hanoi Rocks’ ‘Malibu Beach Nightmare’. 

GMcA