Godfathers - I'm Not Your Slave/Wild and Free
by John Clarkson
published: 25 / 6 / 2020

Label:
Godfathers Recordings
Format: CDS
intro
First-rate double A-sided single in a new line-up from alternative rock band the Godfathers, released to coincide with their 35th anniversary
Peter Coyne caused some controversy last August when he sacked the entire then line-up of the Godfathers because they weren’t showing any interest in making another album. Vocalist and founding member Coyne has, however, never wanted the band he has fronted for 35 years now to become unstuck by nostalgia. He has always been concerned about pushing it forward, and clearly made the right decision as live shows in February revealed the latest incarnation of the Godfathers - guitarists Richie Simpson and Wayne Vermaak, bassist Jon Priestley and drummer Billy Duncanson – to be stunning. Their new double A-sided single ‘I’m Not Your Slave/Wild and Free’ – their debut release in the present line-up – is also as vital as anything that the Godfathers have released in their lengthy career. From the opening rattle of Duncanson’s drums to Simpson and Vermaak’s razor-tight, duelling guitars and Coyne’s belligerent vocals in between to its rapidly accelerating end, ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ is gripping. ‘Wild and Free’ is slightly murkier and denser in sound, but equally exciting, and a whiplash, sirening instrumental in its middle shows off just how powerful this new line-up is. ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ is about a relationship fall-out (“I’m not your slave, girl/Set me free”). The target matter of ‘Wild and Free’ is more oblique, but when Peter Coyne sings on it, “I am moving forward with a positive motion/And, yes, that is beautiful to me,” he is summing up his own present situation exactly. On the evidence of ‘I’m Not Your Slave/Wild and Free’, the next Godfathers album will be something worth waiting for.
Track Listing:-
1 I'm Not Your Slave2 Wild & Free
Band Links:-
http://www.godfathers.uk.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheGodfathersFamily
Have a Listen:-
interviews |
Interview (2020) |
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Cult indie rockers The Godfathers are currently celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary with blazing new single ‘I’m Not Your Slave’/‘Wild and Free’. Lead singer Peter Coyne talks to Denzil Watson about his undying thirst for rock n’ roll and future plans. |
Interview (2017) |
Interview Part 1 (2013) |
Interview Part 2 (2013) |
Interview (2008) |
profiles |
Godfathers (2011) |
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Andrew Carver reflects upon South London punk/rock 'n' roll band the Godfathers first two major label releases, 1988's 'Birth, School, Work, Death' and 1989's 'More Songs about Love and Hate', which have both recently been reissued |
live reviews |
Lexington, London, 31/10/2014 |
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Dastardly watches London-based rock and roll/punk legends the Godfathers unveil their new five-piece line-up in typically blistering form at the Lexington in London |
Picture House, Edinburgh, 1/3/2013 |
favourite album |
The Godfathers (2013) |
![]() |
John Clarkson examines South London-formed alternative rock band the Godfathers' eponymous and rarely heard 1993 album, which is about to be re-released for its twentieth anniversary in a double CD edition |
features |
Songs about Love and Hate : An Intro (2002) |
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1990 was spent mainly touring, and working on songs for the next album, and 1991 began optimistically with the group playing their largest ever St Valentine’s Day Massacre at London’s Brixton Academ |
Songs about Love and Hate : An Intro (2002) |
Songs about Love and Hate : An Intro (2002) |
digital downloads
soundcloud
reviews |
A Big Bad Beautiful Noise (2017) |
![]() |
Exhilarating full return-to form on eighth album from legendary alt. rock band, the Godfathers |
Jukebox Fury (2013) |
Shot Live at the 100 Club (2010) |
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