Sometimes, artists don’t just drop songs, they arrive with missions, voices, stories, and fire that cuts through the noise. North Wales’ Tom Collins is one of these artists. Not just another name in the indie rock crowd, Collins is creating his lane, armed with honest songwriting, a heart full of hope, and a sound that knows how to feel. Influenced by the likes of Sam Fender, Jamie Webster, and Catfish and the Bottlemen, Tom channels that same working-class soul and poetic grit, but with a uniqueness. His latest single, “Little Louis,” released on May 5, is a gut-punch wrapped in melody. This is storytelling that sticks to your ribs.
From the opening moments, the track sets a scene of emotional weight: two young hearts weathering storms they didn’t ask for, standing in the long shadow of their upbringing. Yet despite the odds, “Little Louis” is anything but hopeless. It’s a beacon, a promise, and a reminder that even in darkness, there’s something or someone worth fighting for. Collins’ vocals are the heartbeat of this track. His delivery carries the perfect blend of emotional vulnerability and youthful urgency. You can hear the ache, defiance, and belief buried beneath every line. It’s as if he’s singing for the kids who never had someone to sing for them.
Performance-wise, he doesn’t overdo it — he understands the song. Every word feels lived-in. There’s a passion in his phrasing that makes you believe he’s seen these kids, maybe even been one of them. That intimacy is what turns “Little Louis” from just another indie rock track into a personal rally cry.
At its core, “Little Louis” is about resilience. About finding your footing when the ground beneath you is cracked. About believing in yourself when the world gives you every reason not to. And Tom Collins delivers that message not with sugar-coated optimism, but with a raw kind of love — the kind you fight for. The chorus is where Collins really soars. It’s one of those anthemic moments you don’t just hear — you sing, fists raised, eyes closed, voice cracking. It’s tailor-made for muddy festival fields and late-night drives alike.
The production is impactful, allowing the emotional charge to take center stage. The rhythm section punches in with purpose, building a sturdy foundation that carries the narrative like a freight train through mist. Instrumentally, “Little Louis” builds smartly. The guitars ring out with a chiming clarity, equal parts grit and gloss. The bass work is subtle but steady, anchoring the narrative with understated confidence. Drums drive the track forward without ever stealing the spotlight, giving the song the pacing it needs to climb toward that soaring, hope-laced chorus.
This isn’t the kind of debut you skim past. It’s the kind that makes you pause. Listen again. Hit repeat. And start paying attention. Tom Collins isn’t just emerging — he’s arriving. And “Little Louis” is his way of telling the world: I’ve got something to say. And you’re going to want to hear it.
Listen to “Little Louis” on Spotify
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