Song Stories: Jamie T: Zombie

When Jamie T released 'Zombie' in 2014 it was a comeback of sorts. He had previously released the single 'Don't You Find' but for many 'Zombie' was a real return to form. Questions that had arisen in his five year absence were quickly swashed when 'Zombie' was heard. 

'Zombie' is one of Jamie T’s most anthemic tracks. With a raucous blend of punky guitars, crashing drums, and an undeniably catchy chorus, the song leans more towards the indie rock side of his musical spectrum. Unlike the more subdued and introspective moments on Carry on the Grudge, "Zombie" is a blast of unfiltered energy, built for festival singalongs and sweaty pub gigs.

The opening riff sets the tone with a slightly distorted, off-kilter rhythm that feels both chaotic and perfectly in sync. As the song kicks in, Jamie T’s signature half-spoken, half-sung vocals carry the verses with a frantic urgency, building to a chorus that begs to be shouted at full volume. It's a typical Jamie T song, that doesn't drift to far from the formula that made fans fall in love with him. This is from the same line of songs as Sticks 'n' Stones' and 'If You Got The Money'.

However 'Zombie' does not feel as raw and fast as those older songs. It has more of a pop feel. The album this was on 'Carry on the Grudge' saw Jamie embrace new styles, 'Zombie' saw him perfectly bridge the gap between old and new. 

The song kicks off with a driving bassline, soon joined by heavily distorted guitars that give it a raw, garage-band feel. The drums are relentless, keeping up a fast-paced rhythm that propels the song forward. Jamie T’s vocal delivery is a mix of frantic urgency and slurred melodies, giving it a rebellious, devil-may-care attitude.

One of the most distinctive elements of "Zombie" is its chorus—an explosive release of energy where the instrumentation swells, and Jamie’s vocals become more melodic yet still rough around the edges. The guitar riffs in the chorus are simple but effective, reinforcing the song’s punk rock roots, while layered backing vocals add to the anthemic quality.

Jamie described the song as a metaphor, portraying himself as a self-proclaimed "sad post-teen" who becomes a "zombie" when feeling uncreative. In an interview with Time Out, he shared how he combats unproductivity:

"There are lots of different tricks you can use to get yourself writing again," he explained. "The best one is probably reading a book. Seeing someone else express something in a different way can immediately snap you out of your own s--t. While working on this record, I was reading a lot of Ted Hughes—lots of Plath and Alvarez."

The song has become a mainstay in Jamie's live show, often played in the encore, and alongside 'Sticks & Stones' and 'Shelia' is one of his most well known and most loved songs. It is definitely one of his best. 

Thank you for reading 

Jack