“When The Time Is Over” by Giant Killers is a refreshingly delightful throwback to the charm of 90s Britpop. The music video offers a much-needed burst of sunshine, showcasing sun-drenched scenes of festival revellers (an almost miraculous sight given the typically damp British summer we’ve had so far), Interwoven with quick-cut footage that subtly hints at the lyrics, the video captures the carefree spirit and fleeting nature of joyous moments. It’s a celebration of youth and camaraderie, underscored by the bittersweet passage of time.
The band’s journey is as compelling as the song itself. Originally recorded nearly three decades ago, the single and its accompanying album, ‘Songs For The Small Places’, have finally seen the light of day, much to the delight of both the band and their audience. Giant Killers‘ story is one of resilience and enduring appeal. Originally signed to MCA Records in 1995, Giant Killers released a couple of singles before their album was shelved as often happens in the major label machine. Now, with their rights regained, the songs can finally get the recognition they deserve.
Musically, “When The Time Is Over” fits seamlessly into the 90s indie-pop landscape with its opening guitar riff and Jamie Wortley’s emotive vocals. Listening to it feels like discovering a hidden treasure from the Britpop era that can sit proudly next to any of the hits from that decade. The track’s blend of warmth and reflection is both timeless and timely, proving that great music transcends the years and that, this in particular, was worth the wait.
The backstory of the song adds another layer of intrigue. Written on a guitar that once belonged to the legendary Butch Vig, the song surely carries a touch of rock royalty. Wortley and Michael Brown recall their early days hoping that some of Vig‘s magic would inspire their music.
“When The Time Is Over” is also the title track of the band’s recently released unique Double A side, Double B side EP. A portion of the proceeds from this release benefit the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably.
With this release Giant Killers are not riding a wave of nostalgia; they’re demonstrating that their music holds relevance across generations bridging the gap between the past and the present effortlessly. “When The Time Is Over” is a track that nods to the band’s storied past while pointing towards a promising future. This is a song that deserves to be heard and cherished and I’m glad it finally saw the light!
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