Review: "Saké" - Only The Poets

You can pick your poison, but don’t tell Only The Poets if you don’t like saké. Their latest single “Saké” is all about Japan’s most iconic alcohol and how much the narrator loves their smooth rice wine– so much so that they won’t talk to a girl if she doesn’t like it. Draped in a smooth and slinky soundscape, this after-dark track is all about keeping the groove going. If you like dancing in the night and neon lights, then “Saké” will be your kind of song. And you’ll definitely like it a whole lot more if you’re the kind to sip on saké during your nights out. Say goodbye to hangovers and hello to seduction with “Saké”.

The first thing you’ll notice about “Saké” is how groovy it is. It’s just as smooth as saké itself, with its bassline absolutely being the star of the soundscape. The sleekness is super prominent in the track, and it’s something I can’t ever get enough of; if you’re the same, then this song will absolutely be your jam. Combine that baseline with the track’s synth and unhurried beat, and you’re left with a soundscape that truly captures that late-night vibe underneath glowing lights. The lyrics are also fantastic– they’re simple yet evocative as they describe the narrator talking to a girl, and trying to learn if she likes to drink saké. They tell her that she could be any kind of girl. Maybe she likes to do yoga, or maybe she doesn’t like the narrator’s car or shirt. But the narrator’s major dealbreaker is if she doesn’t like to drink saké. This encounter all depends on that, just that loyalty to one single drink. “Saké” will be a great listen for you if you love the alcohol. And if you don’t, then you’ll definitely start to after you’re drawn into the song’s suave soundscape, seductive and slinky.

One of the UK’s most anticipated rising bands, Only The Poets makes music that’s unfiltered and endlessly honest, with live shows that bring the energy every time they perform. The group is made up of lead vocals Tommy Longhurst, bassist Andy “Roo” Burge, guitarist Clem Cherry, and drummer Marcus Yates. Only The Poets has a deep connection to their grassroots beginnings and have toured tirelessly to build a fanbase that’s devoted to their amazing music. They’ve sold-out headline tours throughout Europe and the U.S., and have also supported artists like Lewis Capaldi, YUNGBLUD, and Bastille. Their debut release was in 2021 with their EP demos.. Following that has been a steady stream of tracks, which is now culminating in their long-awaited debut album And I’d Do It Again that drops on January 30, 2026. “Saké” is the first official track of the album, so if you enjoyed it, you should definitely follow Only The Poets to keep up with the album’s release!

Written By Alexa Leung

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