Singles

The Declining Winter - Official World Cup Theme 2010

Anthony Page 21/06/2010

Rating: 4/5

The World Cup, that joyous month every four years where we celebrate the greatest sport in the world. As with life though, every silver lining comes with a cloud, the god-awful World Cup songs that appear with every tournament. New Order aside, and on a personal note the 1970 classic 'Back Home' - but that could just be the Top of The Pops performance - World Cup songs suck. James Corden and Dizzee Rascal have proved that this year, along with the stomach turning Terry Venables, but salvation may be at hand. The Declining Winter, the brainchild of Richard Adams from Leeds post rockers Hood, have had their stab at a World Cup anthem to remember with the cheekily titled 'Official World Cup Theme 2010'. Somehow I doubt Fifa have approved it, but will it be the fans official World Cup theme?

As anyone with even a passing knowledge of Hood will know, they are a gang of serious musicians. So a Fat Les type comedy tune was never going to come out of their stable, and may we all give praise for that. Instead, 'Official World Cup Theme 2010' is an epic, string-laden piece of indie magic, bringing memories of 'Fear Of Drowning' era British Sea Power and the greatly missed Hope Of The States. All this makes The Declining Winter a very exciting band that demand you keep your eye on them, but it doesn't really scream summer of football fun and rousing terrace sing-along.

Beneath the driving drums, throbbing bass line and reverb drenched guitars though lays a rousing sing-along chorus. Ok, I doubt that you'll catch the England fans giving the team a version of the song's “bring back the old silverware” chorus but the lyrics are there, along with commentary from John Barnes wonderful 1980's solo goal against Brazil to inspire football dreams and memories. Overall though this isn't a typical World Cup song and, title aside, the connection will soon be forgotten. Leaving instead an epically yearning tune from a very, very promising band who you might just fall head over heels in love with, and who won't leave you in tears after yet another penalty shoot out nightmare.

Release Date: 21/06/2010