The new single from Merseyside songwriter Ian Prowse features the familiar, unmistakable voice of Elvis Costello. While Costello’s characterful contribution to The Cleaner is excellent, Prowse’s own vocal is brilliantly impassioned and melodic. Musically, the song is a blast of energy and rhythm. Driven forward on powerful chords and surging drums, the sound is filled out with layers of strings, pulsing keys and brass. The backing vocals soar, helping to turn The Cleaner into an upbeat anthem. In the video, directed by Roger Appleton, Prowse and his band belt out the song in a kitchen, where a cleaner is busy at work.
He explains the inspiration behind The Cleaner: “My mum was a cleaner; they’re on the frontline in the class war. Obviously there’s two different types of ‘rising up’ at play during the song. Elvis’s familiar crooning sneer is just what the doctor ordered.” Costello adds: “Ian doesn’t just sing of the here and now but also reaches back into the past for a passionate tale to tell, to sing of an injustice that might tell us something about today.”
The single features on the new album, No Names, which is out now. Prowse says of his twelfth album: “It’s rock, it’s roll, it’s Celtic soul. For some fans this one will be the best yet – it’s got a bit of everything. Half the songs address the wider world; radical hope, protest songs if you like. The other half maps out where my emotional life and memories are at in 2026. Just like Lennon used to.” It’s an album full of heart, real stories and social commentary. Check it out.
Americana UK has ongoing running costs. If you have enjoyed reading this post, please consider supporting us for £2.99 a month.
