Social media has really showcased its muscle when it comes to the modern day UK Top 40 singles chart of late. It first let us know of the role it can play after a huge online campaign resulted in Rage Against The Machine's "Killing In The Name Of" pipping Simon Cowell's X-Factor winner Joe McElderry to the Christmas number one spot. Again more recently, and controversially, "Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead," reached the summit of the UK Top 40 following the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This again was provoked following a mass online campaign from her opposition. Just a week after the this very campaign, we find ourselves with another online frenzy, all be it somewhat more sincere. Michael Molloy was an exceptionally talented musician from the city of Liverpool. At 18 years old, the future was certainly bright for the highly skilled guitarist. He performed and recorded with pal Alex Evans, and began to gain a reputation in the city. However tragedy was to strike, as Michael lost his life in the bus crash that claimed two other lives on the journey back to Merseyside from Bestival 2012. Two months before his death , Michael penned the song, "Rise and Fall". Along with Alex Evans on vocals, they managed to record the track. For a moment I will place the terrible background that follows this song everywhere to one side, because it doesn't matter. The record does the talking for itself. The songwriting, both lyrically and musically, is outstanding for an 18 year old, and really emphasizes the talent he possessed. Alex Evans' vocals have been described as
"haunting", and I can't find a more fitting word that does his contribution justice. His voice sounds that of a seasoned, experienced performer, not a rookie just starting out. I can safely say it provoked the hairs on the back of my neck to stand firmly on their ends upon first hearing the track. His family have stated Michael often wrote poetry as a child, which developed into his thought-provoking, deep, beautiful song writing. The lyrics as well as the music really resonate, and certainly stir the emotions. This is then topped off by a truly brilliant guitar outro, as every contributing factor of the song come together to really strike a human chord. The track has already gained worldwide recognition, with the family receiving praise from countries as far flung as Russia and Mexico. World renowned musicians James Morrison and Brian May have also shown support, with the latter dedicating a tweet to it earlier this month.
Michael's mother Frances and brother Joe, told the Liverpool Echo how they hoped it would give Michael the legacy he deserved.
"The release of Michaels single will represent a small step in the long and hard job of rebuilding our lives. We will always be thankful for the fact that he was the happiest 18-year-old alive at the time of his death. He was fulfilled and full of hopes and dreams.""One of those dreams was for his talent to be recognized. The release of Rise and Fall means that will now happen.""It was Michaels ambition to have his music recognized by the wider world. He never fulfilled that ambition so we, his family, are fulfilling it for him."
As we glance at the current UK Top 40, nothing really excites. Just a culture filled with fast cars, alcohol, and fame hungry buffoons. It would do the world of music the world of good to have a piece of music which contains substance, heart, and intent, take its rightful place at the summit of our industry. "Rise and Fall" is available to pre-order now on iTunes, with the track set to be released on the 29th April.