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My review today is of Conor Oberst's new single 'Souled Out'. Now, you may think you have never heard of Conor Oberst before but the chances are you'll have heard his work without even realising.

Oberst is the founding member of American indie superpower 'Bright Eyes'. If this is all still very new to you, then let me inform you that if you like this single, there is plenty of similar back catalogue to keep you busy for the next 10 years. With 18 full length albums, 6 million EPs and an infinite amount of singles from different bands after 16 years recording music, I sometimes wonder how long the Conor Oberst book of song writing can keep going. The poor guy is only 28 years old.

This new tune is 'pleasant', a word my mother over the years has banned me from using, as it's the way I describe visiting my Grandparents every year since I was 6. It's like calling something 'nice' in the modern age, it's an insult because everyone wants to be amazing. 'Souled Out' is a tune, which you may hear over and over again and still not know who wrote it. You could sing the chorus but later over the dinner table be caught trying to sing it to your family, seeing if they knew who it was because you sure as heck can't remember.

I like it, but I have been a Bright Eyes fan for years and have a t-shirt. If you were looking for something special, you won't find it here. It is very similar to all his other work which, over the years has yielded a lot of gems , but this track just doesn't stand out for me.

Download: Out now
CD Released: September 1st



(Sam Horner)