Laji George makes a very strong solo statement with “Say”, a powerful alternative rock track released on 22 October 2026. It’s very much in the vein of 90s grunge with massive guitar riffs, huge drums and a very raw vocal. He’s clearly got the influence of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana and Alice in Chains and he’s channelled that very heavy, very intense sound into the track. The core of the song is a real issue that he’s concerned about, namely the deterioration in the mental health of young adults since 2012 and the possible contribution of smartphone culture and social media to the rise in anxiety, comparison and isolation. He’s not just observing the problem, he’s channelling his frustration into a song which is in fact a plea for something that’s been largely absent in our world of constant connectivity: real human connection.
The track is also very much the product of a strong creative partnership. George has worked very closely with producer Jonah Brockman to take the song from the early voice memo sketches (recorded on acoustic guitar and piano) into the fully realised alternative rock track we have today. A huge amount of the song’s power comes from the work of Dave Abbruzzese (former Pearl Jam drummer) whose sheer energy and physicality in the drumming is absolutely integral to the song. The drums were recorded at Farmadelica Sound in Bokeelia, FL with producer and engineer Howard “Merlin” Wulkan using a room-mic approach to capture the natural acoustics and dynamics of the performance. That approach gives the rhythm section a very organic, human feel and avoids the overly slick production that can so often kill the life out of a rock track. It’s a very well balanced mix across all the different spaces and it brings together the warmth of the analogue recording with the punch of a modern alternative rock mix.
For George “Say” is about much more than just going back to the sound of a generation. It’s about the idea that music should be about real experiences, should be about facilitating real conversations and should be about allowing for vulnerability. His work with Pseutopia as frontman is very much a collaborative effort but this is a much more personal outlet for his songwriting and his social commentary. “Say” is a very different proposition in that it’s a very direct, very old school grunge record with a very direct message about the pressures of modern life. George puts it this way: “We live in a world where everyone is connected 24/7 and yet so many people feel utterly isolated. For me ‘Say’ isn’t just about turning up the heavy guitars. It’s about tearing through that digital wall, being vulnerable and screaming ‘say something’ for the real human connection that we’re all so desperately in need of.” A very powerful and genuine statement and “Say” is a very forceful record in that it uses the power of rock to remind you that behind every screen is a human being who needs to be heard.
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