First coming to prominence in the ’90s, Giant Killers are having something of a resurgence recently. 2024 saw them release their album Songs For The Small Places after recording it thirty years ago. Now they’re back with a new double-A side.

By Graeme Smith

It’s a quirk of the music industry that it can bury its gems. That was the case with Giant Killers’ seminal album, which we finally got to hear last year. I described it as “an excavated treasure, a direct shot in the arm for those who grew up in the ’90s, and food for thought for those who are just discovering it now” in my review.

Their new double-A side is a very different proposition. While half of it is familiar (One For Georgie featured on the aforementioned album), the other half is previously unreleased material. It is, of course, a smaller slice of the band’s repertoire, but no less compelling and immersive.

The titular “Georgie” is Manchester United legendary footballer George Best. In the track, Giant Killers pay tribute to his aspirational qualities, something the duo of Michael and Jamie got to experience first-hand in the ’90s when they met the man along with his son Callum. Both agreed to appear in the video for the song.

There’s a suitable bombast to the track, mixing folksy lyrics with vibrant, anything-is-possible indie pop. Brassy overtones prove the highlight, especially in a singalong chorus.

I Can’t Live With You is the record’s second track and takes things into a rock and power pop direction. Big riffs and guitar noodling sets the scene while relentless drums keep things moving through the verse. The chorus bursts forth, telling a story of frustration with an undertone of love. The song was written while the two cohabited in North London, trying to make it big.

Giant Killers have something that just can’t be faked. Their music is a wonderful window into the past while also giving us something honest and timeless. People who grew up in the ’90s, like me, are going to love the nostalgia of it all, while younger audiences should be able to see the influences that have carried forward into their contemporary favourites.

There’s little use on dwelling on what might have been, but a world in which Giant Killers’ music wasn’t buried by their label for so long would undoubtedly be a brighter one.

One For Georgie / I Can’t Live With You is out now and you can give it a listen below.