If you haven’t already stumbled across Chas Leman’s latest single, “The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football”, you’re in for a nostalgic yet timely treat. Chas is an artist with an extraordinary knack for storytelling, weaving humour, heartache and charm into tracks that feel both familiar and fresh. Set against a backdrop of ’90s school life and wrapped in timeless indie sounds, this single has quickly become a standout release. Here are five reasons you need to give this gem a listen.
1. A Perfect Slice Of Nostalgia
“The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football” transports listeners back to the schooldays of working-class London – when rainy PE lessons, bike-shed cigarettes and run-ins with “the cool kids” were the norm. The song’s vivid storytelling makes it easy to recall those formative moments, even if you didn’t live through the ’90s. Chas’ imagery is quintessentially British yet universally relatable. Whether you were the last to be picked or the first, the track brings the highs and lows of adolescence to life.
2. The Anthem For Friendship Through Adversity
At its heart, this song is about loyalty and friendship. Chas tells the story of two outsiders who stick together in the face of bullies, finding solace in their bond. It’s an anti-bullying anthem wrapped in upbeat charm, reminding us of the strength found in true companionship. The lyrics explore the bittersweet nature of growing up: friendships that are tested, memories that fade and the pull of “fitting in”. It’s a tale many of us know all too well, told with Chas’ trademark wit.
3. A Sound That Honours Indie’s Golden Era
For fans of ’90s Britpop and classic indie rock, this track feels like a love letter to the era. The jangly guitars, punchy rhythms and playful vocal delivery are reminiscent of artists from that time period, yet Chas brings his own distinct flair. His delivery – part crooner, part storyteller – combines cheekiness with depth. The result? A song that wouldn’t feel out of place on a retro indie playlist but also holds its ground in the current mini indie revival bubbling across the UK.
4. A Video That Captures Its Heart And Humour
Chas Leman knows how to pair visuals with his sound. The music video for “The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football” – filmed on a retro ’90s camcorder – perfectly captures the song’s nostalgic charm and tongue-in-cheek spirit. Set in a local south London school, the video channels both humour and heart, with a nod to the trials of adolescence. It’s this mix of playfulness and poignancy that makes Chas’ work so compelling.
5. Chas Leman’s Unique Storytelling Voice
Chas isn’t just another indie artist – he’s a storyteller. From his working-class London roots to his family’s musical lineage stretching back to Victorian music halls, Chas crafts songs that give a voice to everyday people. Whether he’s singing about playground struggles or love lost, his music brims with honesty and fun. “The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football” is no exception. It’s a perfect introduction to Chas’ ability to make you laugh, cry and reflect, all in under four minutes.
If you’re a fan of authentic indie music, vivid storytelling or simply need a track to stir up those memories of school days gone by, “The Last Boys To Be Picked At Football” is a must-listen. Chas Leman delivers a timeless indie gem, blending humour, nostalgia and heart with effortless charm.
So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let Chas Leman take you back to the days of soggy PE football pitches and unlikely friendships – you won’t regret it.
