“This is about being strong and being a woman” Emily Capell Debut Album Review

“This is about being strong and being a woman”

Emily Capell Debut Album Review

Combining traditional sounds of country, ska, doo wop and modern-day pop, Emily Capell releases debut album, Combat Frock this October 5^th. Taking inspiration from The Clash’s album title Combat Rock, Capell has taken the title into her own stride.

“The word ‘frock’ isn’t used much anymore. It’s a cool word. But this is about being strong and being a woman.”

Given Capell’s petite frame and pretty exterior, if you have seen one of her live shows, you’ll know that she packs a punch. The album title has perfectly captured her essence and what she is about. Although not all her songs are directly about female empowerment or using her platform to inspire other women, her lyrics remain current and have more subtle hints to what she wants to say. 

She mentions how she has “better teeth than Jamie T”  in her lyrics which we discuss is a subtle dig at how women in music are constantly labelled as female versions of male artists. Capell has received multiple comments in reviews stating that she is the daughter of Jamie T and Billy Bragg,

“Imagine having them as dads!” she jokes.“But it is annoying and most of the nights you play, if not all of the nights you play, you’re gonna be the only girl. I do love Jamie T though. His teeth are a bit dodgy but so were Joe Strummer’s. But you are the only girl and you’re always on [the line-up] first. You’re made to open the night ‘coz you’re a girl on a guitar and they think you’re gonna be singing songs about how you hate men. It can be tricky”

Her naïve-style throughout the album combined with her North West London accent is reminiscent of an early Lily Allen however, it’s obvious that Capell’s intelligence and attention to detail creates the genuine backbone amongst her lyrics- which again is embodying everything the term ‘Combat Frock’ is about.

The album has a strong brass opening fuelled with energy that remains consistent throughout the record. The sunshine drive that is injected throughout almost every moment reminds me of how I felt when I first heard Eliza Doolittle’s self-titled album. Her ability to persist as quirky yet still display that soft, female vocal sound whilst remaining strong is a great trait that Capell has captured. 

Track, ‘No Worries’ sings about the frustration of people sporting band t-shirts whilst simultaneously not knowing the band in question (examples Capell uses are Nirvana and Joy Division). Her attempts at brave commentary also turn towards Morrissey when she calls him out as a racist in ‘Ode to Uncle Moz’. 

“It’s very important to be political in music. But it’s more that I’m sad about what Morrissey is thinking. It’s sad that he’s lost his touch and has come out and said all these things. But it is important to sing about those things; that’s what ‘Ode to Uncle Moz’ is all about. Somebody needed to say something. Loads of people really love him and look up to him.” Capell also touches upon MeToo in this track and stresses in our interview the importance of using platforms as a catalyst for change.

The album contains tasteful injections of ska and reggae throughout continuing the idea of Capell being a ray of sunshine. Her sixties-style choruses and huge melodies make for a wonderfully weird combination given her other inputs. 

With influences ranging from Dolly Parton to The Clash, Capell has majority of corners covered. Capell even states that she likes a wide range of music and will listen to anything (apart from techno and prog rock due to the dreary length of songs). But although the album carries traits of many genres, the sound is still something fresh, new and exciting. The future looks bright for Capell.

“The album is about enjoying music. Don’t worry about things, don’t worry about what you look like. You don’t have to spend a certain amount on a pair of trousers to come to my gig- just enjoy it. Be who you are.”

You can catch Emily on tour with The Selecter this November and December HERE

You can also grab tickets to her release show in London this October 5^th HERE

Image taken from The Joe Strummer Foundation