EP Review: Jordan Allen – LIVIN’ LA VIDA BOLTON

With a string of head-turning singles and sell-out shows last year, Jordan Allen have laid the foundations for a monumental 2017. Debut performances at the legendary Leeds and Reading festivals, not to mention heaps of airplay with singles ‘Helter Skelter’, ‘Too Much Too Soon’ and ‘Dancing In The Dark’ have seen the Bolton four piece receive praise from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music, Clash and Radio X.

Jordan Allen are; Jordan Allen (Vocals, Guitars), Danny Quin (Guitar), Kieran Loughran (Bass) and Nathan Howard (Drums).

Livin’ La Vida Bolton kicks off with the endearing, bittersweet, raw, and optimistic – ’110 Ways…’ is all of these things and so much more. Written and recorded during the terminal illness of Jordan’s father Kevin in the closing months of 2016, the song is a tribute in the truest form to a man who was Jordan’s greatest supporter both in his life and music.

The original ‘110 Ways…’ demo was played to his father while in hospital during his final days. It was, of course, given a big thumbs up. Eventually completed following his father’s passing, Jordan looked to finesse the track with a hopeful outlook as to how he and his family can overcome such a heart breaking loss.

‘Imperial Leather Drama’ and ‘Rosie’ round off the EP that slowly build up speed to then take you on for a rollercoaster of a ride in the chorus.

In addition, ‘110 Ways…’ comes paired with a stunning video that seamlessly weaves intimate family home videos and recent footage of Jordan Allen performing live with his father in attendance and revelling in every second.

Directed by Kill Farrell, the video perfectly echoes the sentiments of the song with Jordan striving to overcome setbacks as he stretches for the good times that inevitably lie ahead.

‘110 Ways…’ was produced and mixed by David Radhad-Jones at Red City Studios in Manchester (which you can watch below).

Outlining their ambitions and what to expect in the new year, frontman Jordan states:

“2017 for us is an incredibly exciting prospect, we have new tracks to release that I know are the finest we’ve written yet, which are now all ready to go. I’m confident that 2017 will be our year… we want to show Manchester that we are the next big thing. We want to be up there with Courteeners and Blossoms by the end of 2017 and we’ll stop at nothing to achieve that… Livin’ La Vida Bolton.”

Speaking about ‘110 Ways…’ Jordan states:

“This one is dedicated to my dad. He came to every show and was really proud of everything that we are doing as a band. This song is really important to us.”

He adds: “Despite everything else that’s going on in the world right now, I want this to be a soundtrack to a bright 2017… This one’s for him.”

All proceeds earned will go to the BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY.

All profit from the Livin’ La Vida Bolton EP will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity in memory of Kevin Allen who sadly passed away in on October 17th 2016 at the age of 56.