If 2024’s ‘Gary’ taught us anything, it’s that Blossoms thrive in the ability to turn mishaps and the mundane into fun, catchy pop songs.
On that occasion, the title tracks inspiration came to frontman Tom Ogden whilst reading a news story about a fibreglass gorilla that was stolen from a garden centre. This time however, the inspiration arose from Ogden becoming involved in a “minor accident” at the Manchester Apollo roundabout.
The Stockport band have subverted the mundane insurance policy phrase “Additional Driver” and transformed it into a big, colourful, catchy song. Adding to the ridiculousness of the track, Ogden’s also confirmed he recorded vocals with Declan McKenna in a hot tub.
As Ogden merrily describes his incident throughout the song, the joyous, bounding synths of Myles Kellock parade around the anthem, setting the tone for the bands upcoming album, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’.
For the song, Ogden needed an ‘Additional Driver’ and he couldn’t have picked a more entertaining one. Bringing Declan Mckenna along for the ride makes it feel all that more mischievous. Ogdens mad, rambling description of a very minor incident is compounded by McKenna’s free-flowing backing vocals.
Set for release on October 2nd, this is the 3rd single ahead of Blossoms hotly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’. This instalment follows ‘Joke About Divorce’ and ‘Meet Me In Love’.
It appears as though the shackles have been loosened from Blossoms as they approach this album in a similar vein to ‘Gary’. The songs feature pop-focused rhythms and grooves, and the whole things is swimming in disco vibes.
Ogden and Kellock are joined by bandmates Joe Donavon (Drums), Charlie Salt (Bass) and Josh Dewhurst (Guitar).
They’re also set to take the new album, as well as old classics, on tour in November and December with a run of arena shows.
‘Additional Driver’ may have birthed from a mundane piece of insurance terminology, but give it guitars, synths and Declan McKenna vocals and you have an incredibly catchy pop anthem. Whatever happened to Ogden’s wife’s car, consider the claim settled and the end result is great for us all.
Written by Brad Halcrow for The Songbird HQ