Acoustic grooves and that unmistakably smooth vocal rasp – TJ Gurn’s artistic individuality is undeniable, and this time we get something unexpectedly upbeat, but with a depth that potentially exceeds that of his previous heartfelt singles.
Building up through an incredibly colourful production, Calling For Change is something like pop-rock on the surface, only the vocal is quietly mixed, drenched in reverb, and there are lush moments of pure stillness and acoustic contemplation adding impact throughout.
Then we get the songwriting, and what is an unabashedly expressive, fearlessly bold and beautiful chorus. TJ Gurn pours his soul into this moment, this sudden lift of melody and passion, delivering a bending melody that seems to reach peak intensity in a soft but striking way.
You have to hear it to know how it feels – words can’t really convey. This song has the alt-folk beauty and pop warmth of some of history’s classic, unpredictable hits. Something like Ben Howard’s Keep Your Head Up, an alt-folk legend lifting the mood; this time somehow both catchy and not. Calling For Change is soulful, to repeat that truth again. It’s yearning, mellow then emotionally desperate in its outcry, and the set-up furthers this, with modest guitar solo moments and a huge crescendo at the end.
Conceptually there’s a poetic vagueness at first, something true to much of TJ Gurn’s music – direct addressing, of the self or the listener, maybe a significant other. ‘The world keeps on spinning… drifting’. Then the sheer suddenness of the hook – no pre-chorus, no warm-up, no rising anticipation; just a huge, evocative drop. And afterwards, we return to the subtle seductive whispers of the verses.
A protest song in essence, designed to feel personal but accessible, for use as and when, wherever, you might need it. The songwriting and performance are sublime – TJ Gurn is outstanding here. The song is unusual but satisfying, and that alternative-mainstream blending of energy and artistry lets Calling For Change really wrap its arms tightly around you.
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