Bob Vylan - ‘Hunger Games’ review
Bob Vylan by Nic Howells
Two months ago, we shot part of Bob Vylan's Viva La Vylan tour in Leeds. Vocalist Bobby was a cheeky lad on that night teasing the crowd that one song in the set was yet to drop that track turned out to be the band’s latest single ‘Hunger Games’ which dropped on Friday. Here’s what we thought:
Tonally this feels like a progression away from the other two singles the Vylan duo have dropped so far. It has a very foreboding opening, with a more tuned down guitar than in 'He's a Man'. 'Hunger Games' focuses more on confrontation than commentary, Bobbie's tight drum work seems to turn up a few degrees. The darker presentation of the track means that the guitar is less prevalent, leaving Bobbie as a constant, thumping presence. Bob Vylan has ridden very high off the previous two singles, but 'Hunger Games' is a much beefier, attitude-filled step toward the band’s forthcoming album Humble as the Sun which is out April 5th via the band’s own Ghost Theatre Records.
Bobby's vocals continue the staple norm of them challenging societal injustice. Bobby has repeatedly posted "You are more than your ability to earn", taken from the latter (and calmer) half of the track. They act as fuel to the fire that we have to speak out, but also as a fourth wall break, with Bobby speaking to the listener. This latter half feels like a moment of acknowledgment to those quieter few who believe in Bob Vylan's message. In the lead-up to 'Hunger Games' Bobby stated it was "a rallying cry for everybody" and "It offers hope and inspiration".
The Viva La Vylan tour was the perfect place to debut this track live, given the headline-grabbing nature of those shows. Music scenes are a very outspoken place, and it can be difficult for some to feel acknowledged, and some rarely speak out. On the tour, Bobby lambasted those "that are not f****ing speaking up for people that have no voice at the moment". Callouts may have raised the ire of some, but they back it up. As a collective, Bob Vylan with 'Hunger Games' have made another single that binds people’s experiences together. As usual, it doesn't sugarcoat reality and points to the root of the issue. 'Hunger Games' is a case of Bob Vylan standing up for those people.
‘Hunger Games’ will feature on Bob Vylan’s forthcoming album Humble As The Sun, which will drop on April 5th via the band’s own Ghost Theatre Records. You can catch them at headlining performances at Immersed Festival in March, and Primordial's General Mayhem in April. They also have in-store performances/signings with Banquet & Rough Trade in early April before playing Slam Dunk in May. Bob Vylan's other single 'He's a Man' was featured on Scene staff’s picks segment for our 2023 Best Of The Year radio show.
