Smooth production and a heartfelt, reflective writing style lead the way with quiet contemplation for this new single from Oregon’s RYA.
Following a beautifully melancholic intro, RYA brings back the nostalgia of the 90’s, with sweet synths and subtle layers of detail that effectively add a world of dreams to the sound.
Underneath this, or rather – interwoven amidst it – Runnin’ details a personal struggle, a sense of distance and longing. The tiredness and the crisp recording quality of the voice further this emotional realness, RYA laying everything on the line and consistently remaining in keeping with the general mood of the soundscape and song.
In terms of contemporary pop, the realism of this is decidedly refreshing, and the song offers a quickly striking hook that’s easily memorable and quite boldly addictive. The heightened passion for the repeat of this word Runnin’, this idea of running away, and the higher notes that back it up, connect for their clear step away from the familiar of before. It’s still more than on point in terms of the mood, but it’s enough of a side-step to really let the track sink in.
Pristine production of course backs all of this up beautifully. A late-night one to obsess over, to escape into and ponder your own mistakes and your choices in life.
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