Sam Duckworth, better known by his moniker Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, just released his fourth studio album, titled, Maps. The Essex-born singer/songwriter has been around since his 2006 debut album, “Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager,” and is well known in indie circles for his inspirational and political lyrics such as, “You are not your job, and you are not the clothes you wear, you are the words that leave your mouth so speak up, speak up loud.”
Indeed, it’s hard to mention Get Cape without broaching the subject of politics. He has been heavily involved in the Occupy protests, including taking has guitar down to marches on several occasions and strumming a few tunes to the crowds, and condemns the banking system at live performances. However, it should be stressed that he’s a musician first and foremost: going to one of his gigs is definitely not the same as going to a political rally. Unlike a lot of musicians, Sam is in touch with his fans, primarily through Twitter, and knows how to work his crowd.
In fact his new album, Maps, has a few uncharacteristically rocky numbers and Sam (backed by three other guys) opened his set at Kingston’s New Slang last week with the first, heaviest and probably best track off the album, “The Real McCoy.” But lively is not what Get Cape is known for and certainly not what they’re best at. Tracks like “Once More With Feeling” off the first album and “Find the Time” off the second are acoustic and simple and Get Cape’s two best songs; luckily enough, both were played at New Slang and proved popular among fans.
Counting Emmy the Great and Kate Nash in his fan club, Get Cape remains an undiscovered, under-appreciated gem. So if you want to try something new that’s not pop drivel or folky angst, pick up a copy of a Get Cape album. Newcomers are best advised to start with the wonderful first album, but every album since has its charm. Maps is available to buy here.
In Before the Cynicism 