Sam Shinazzi Closing Time

Closing Time is the lead single from Sam Shinazzi's sixth full-length release, Days I Won't Forget. This is his first album in nearly 7 years and his first with Stanley Records (home of Ben Leece, Katie Brianna etc.)

Whilst not a concept album, the album showcases Sam's gift for telling a story, with every track telling a tale of something that happened to Sam throughout his life or to those around him.

Closing Time is a perfect example. The opening pedal steel line, courtesy of Jy-Perry Banks immediately takes you to Sam's "favourite little bar", heartbroken, with whisky in hand, as if you're the protagonist in the story. The song also features Katie Brianna in fine form, playing the female lead.

According to Sam, "it's essentially about an ending and not being ready for that ending, yet still recognising it".

The single has a definite country lean but also showcases Shinazzi's love of indie pop rock. Sam wears his musical heart on his sleeve and references veteran alt-country masters, the Jayhawks in the track.

Closing Time might be about things coming to an end but with an East Coast tour happening in May and June, this feels like an all new beginning for Sam Shinazzi.