SAY Award 2023's nominees explained: Brooke Combe – Black Is The New Gold
As 2023's Scottish Album Of The Year Award draws near, we're penning some handy primers on each shortlisted album to help you wade through this avalanche of musical goodness. In our latest instalment, we put Brooke Combe’s debut Black Is The New Gold under the microscope
Act: Brooke Combe
Album: Black Is The New Gold
How it sounds: Classic indie rock drum loops, anthemic choruses and commanding vocals abound in this short but snappy debut album from Edinburgh-born singer songwriter Brooke Combe. From title track ‘Black Is The New Gold’ to second-to-last song ‘Impress You’, Combe’s ability to write a killer hook and catchy topline melodies (usually sang to ‘doos’ or ‘ooohs’) is commendable. In truth, Combe could sing her way through the phone book and make it sound spectacular. Her deep tone, powerful belt and controlled runs and vibrato could easily make her the strongest vocalist on this year’s Shortlist.
As for her musical style, fans of mainstream pop will be in their element listening to her latest selection of textbook bangers. Often opting for simple phrases and repetition, lyrics tend to add rhythm and phonics rather than intricate storytelling (perfect to be screamed out in unison at a live show). Combe does dip her toe into politically charged topics around feminism and race in places, but her ability to paint in larger brushstrokes allows listeners to project their own meaning onto songs.
Top track: ‘Black Is The New Gold’, a perfectly structured song with great rhythm and infectious backing vocals.
Do you come here often? This is Combe’s first time being recognised by the SAY Award.
Why it should win: Combe’s understanding of pop songwriting allows her creations to circle round in your head long after you’ve stopped listening to her music. And that voice is truly something special.
The SAY Award winner will be unveiled at a live ceremony on Thursday 26 October. Brook Combe is on tour in the UK now.
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