- Bryon Harris
Sharam Gill - 'Silver Gown and Golden Vest'
Based in England, UK, pop-rock artist Sharam Gill is known for his out-of-the-box, highly unique rock/pop music. Sharam formerly fronted the band Panjaea. He has toured the U.S., UK, Europe and India. In addition, he performed at the London Olympics in 2012. Formerly signed to Red Kite Records, Gill now puts his music out on his own label.
His latest album, ‘The Cautionary Tale of Cox McQueen’, produced by Philip Lane, boasts an impressive 13 songs. The album tells the story of an artist named “Cox” who has journeyed through the highs and lows of being an artist and being part of the music industry. His single, “Silver Gown and Golden Vest” is a great way to introduce yourself to Sharam’s vast creativity and talent.
“Silver Gown and Golden Vest” opens with a robust arrangement. The track has elements of pop, theater and has a slightly Beatle-esk sound. The vibe is upbeat - You almost feel like you are at a show or an exciting and colorful performance. This engaging arrangement has piano along with a great horn section. With the sound of a whistle, the song marches forward like a parade.
Sharam enters singing the chorus, ”Before you go down partly dressed in silver gown and golden vest. Before you leave in painted hair and high heel shoes and 'Who's to care' Be sure you've locked the door on Davy Jones.” Right away, Sharam’s poetic and intelligent lyrical sensibilities are appreciated. In particular, “be sure you lock the door on Davy Jones" is a very intriguing line and perhaps a nod to closing the door on innocence. Sharam ‘s vocal talent is well above par. His tenor tone, clarity and expression are radio-ready. Nice sing-a-long sections follow the chorus.
From verse to verse, the song unfolds a story. “Silver Gown and Golden Vest” is about an artist who is concerned about what the critics or outside world thinks. The artist is worried that he is viewed as a one-hit-wonder. So, he decides to dress the part of success and puts on all the wonderfully showy trimmings hoping that the industry will see him how he wants to be seen. The message resonates universally with a modern twist on “fake it until you make it.” At the end of the song, the music stops and one line is sung, “Be what you want to be.” This is a powerful moment in the song.
This is a song about individuality, about being who you want to be within the context of a society that is constantly summing us up and boxing us in. To put out an album with this level of originality and risk is surely locking the door on Davy Jones and opening the door on artistic creativity. Sharam shows that above all else, he is an artist - Sharam shows us how to color outside the lines and still produce songs that are highly enjoyable, relatable and fascinating to listen to.
For more information on Sharam Gill, please visit his website.