This is a fine example of more muscular country pop/rock, complete with an unashamed guitar solo that then leads effortlessly into a breakdown moment…
But before we get there, let’s take a moment to appreciate a widescreen and mainstream soft rock sound, which features closely-captured and warm vocals that take the verses conversationally forward – and then into a light, frothy and catchy chorus, with close vocal harmony work (and sing-along gang vocals) and the unusual invitation to ‘take it out on me’!
It starts out very 80s-retro, with chugging Mike and the Mechanics-style guitars and some distant bell-like synths. Then the relaxing American twang of Runions’ warm delivery kicks in.
There’s some smart work apparent in the arrangement, with some terrific production swells and ascending chord patterns that lead into satisfying drum rolls and exultant vocal moments.
The guitar riffs are intelligent, subtle and hooky in their own right – and with good separation, if you care to pick them out. The fact that the guitar then gets awarded a spotlight moment and then the opportunity to howl and squirl (tastefully) over the post-solo arrangement is a bonus for the axe-hero that lurks inside some of us!
Swathes of backing vocals do a great job of cuddling the production to a point of comfort, both supporting the Runions’ lead vocal but also providing fun moments of Q&A with it.
All in all, a fun romp through an unusual lyrical idea that tells a clear narrative, with plenty of pop hooks.
Find & follow Alex Runions on his website, Soundcloud, Insta & Facebook.
