Contributing Writer
Emerging from the creative minds of Sam Gillbanks and Emil Lloyd, Normal Average People have unveiled their latest single, “Refund Taxi,” a brooding yet introspective track that marks a new chapter for the duo. The song, released ahead of their anticipated EP Seb Wildblood’s latest label venture all my thoughts, encapsulates the frustration and helplessness felt during a six-hour ordeal in Teckomatorp, Sweden.
Sam, stranded en route to Emil’s studio, struggled through a lengthy wait for a coach that never arrived, resulting in an expensive taxi ride for which Emil later secured a refund, hence the naming of the track.
Normal Average People began as a collaboration between Gillbanks’ frontman Sam and producer Emil while sharing a flat in South East London. Their early work, recorded live with a full band in Peckham, led to the creation of their debut EP, The Moon Saloon. Now, with Sam in London and Emil in Stockholm, the duo has embraced a multi-track approach influenced by electronic music and 90’s shoegaze, showcased in it’s purest form on the new single. Speaking on the release, the duo explain:
“Refund Taxi” took shape after Sam endured a stranded six-hour ordeal in Teckomatorp, known for a historical toxic spill in the 1970s, en route to Emil’s studio. Amid repeated assurances of a forthcoming coach, it never materialised, prompting the pair to order a rather expensive taxi which Emil later managed to secure a refund for. This experience is eloquently captured in the song’s brooding bass line and introspective lyrics, expressing their shared frustration.” – Normal Average People
Stream the single in full HERE