Don’t Look Now just kicked the door down with a saxophone—yes, a SAXOPHONE—that hits harder than a shot of cheap whiskey on a Saturday night. This is Windsor’s finest musical mad scientists doing what they do best: mixing rock, soul, funk, and reggae into a damn cocktail that’ll have you stomping your boots and spilling your beer.
“Second Time Around” dropped on January 6th, 2003, as the lead single from their debut album Like the do it in the Films. And let me tell you, that sax intro? It doesn’t warm up—it explodes. Pure uplift. Pure feel-good. No messing around. This track is about a holiday romance in Ibiza, inspired by lead singer Martin Montague’s own messy, sunburnt, heart-racing experience. Montague isn’t some lovesick poet crying into his mic. Nah. He’s the bloke at the bar telling you a story that makes you grin and go, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
The band recorded this gem at The Dream of Ozwald Studios in Warren Row near Maidenhead, with producer Keith James behind the board. And pay attention to the crew: Gini Hogarth on keys, and Damian de la Hunty throws in backing vocals that punch the whole thing. The rhythm section? Tight as hell. Rock, pop, soul, funk, reggae—they juggle it all and never drop the ball.
Most bands write about the same tired crap. Not Don’t Look Now. These nutters write about stamp collecting, bank robbery, and artificial intelligence. But this single? It’s their most-streamed track for a reason. That hook sinks its teeth in and doesn’t let go. Years later, it’s still the crown jewel of their catalogue, even after two more albums (Once Upon a Time and The Elephant in the Room) and two solo releases from Montague himself.
“Second Time Around” is a damn good time wrapped in sax, swagger, and smart-ass storytelling. Stream it. Now.