Inspired by PLAN UK's 'Because I'm A Girl' campaign, self-styled 'desert-funk' four-piece Esteban release 'Just A Girl.'
Billed as the "alternative Christmas single," 'Just A Girl' is a politically-charged, world-music infused, easy-on-the-ears musical meander, with a genuineness that means it's nowhere near as toe-curling as most charity singles. Like all political songs, the lyrics do occasionally veer into cheesy territory, but there's a refreshing lack of strings; po-faced, emotionally-wracked hollering and booming choir accompaniments, and releasing it over the Christmas period will no doubt see it tweaking the heart-strings of even the most cynical of souls.
The inclusion of jangly backing beats, acoustic guitars and the gentle swells of an all-female choir, weave a folkish, world-music magic that compliments both the lyrical content and the overall message behind 'Just A Girl' and PLAN UK's mission to fund community development projects in the Third World. The low-key, folk music leanings also see 'Just A Girl' waft its way into your full attention, rather than beating you around the head with melodrama.
Esteban frontman Steve Wright has a melodic and versatile voice, as he shimmies towards kooky indie, before tilting into a sweet falsetto, then finally shaking out jittery, character-packed vocal lines. It's one of those voices you'll want to hear more of.
A catchy, folkish tune, and a heartfelt and cringe-free protest song, all rolled into one.
Billed as the "alternative Christmas single," 'Just A Girl' is a politically-charged, world-music infused, easy-on-the-ears musical meander, with a genuineness that means it's nowhere near as toe-curling as most charity singles. Like all political songs, the lyrics do occasionally veer into cheesy territory, but there's a refreshing lack of strings; po-faced, emotionally-wracked hollering and booming choir accompaniments, and releasing it over the Christmas period will no doubt see it tweaking the heart-strings of even the most cynical of souls.
The inclusion of jangly backing beats, acoustic guitars and the gentle swells of an all-female choir, weave a folkish, world-music magic that compliments both the lyrical content and the overall message behind 'Just A Girl' and PLAN UK's mission to fund community development projects in the Third World. The low-key, folk music leanings also see 'Just A Girl' waft its way into your full attention, rather than beating you around the head with melodrama.
Esteban frontman Steve Wright has a melodic and versatile voice, as he shimmies towards kooky indie, before tilting into a sweet falsetto, then finally shaking out jittery, character-packed vocal lines. It's one of those voices you'll want to hear more of.
A catchy, folkish tune, and a heartfelt and cringe-free protest song, all rolled into one.
