Oakland-based Still Young return with their latest single, ‘From Fear’, a raw, emotionally charged track that unfolds like a confessional letter.
It captures the heartache of a relationship breaking, tracing the painful journey of letting go, coming to terms with and the self-erasure and the freeing experience of inevitably letting go.
‘From Fear’ unfolds with a delicate, slow-burning melody, anchored by a rich acoustic guitar that steadily builds in momentum. As the chorus emerges, a softer, more fragile guitar line weaves in, layering with the original. This interplay between a sonorous foundation and shimmering notes creates a deep contrast, making for a sombre echoing ambience mixed with a glimmer of hope.
The emotionally charged lyrics tie in with the sentiment of the instrumentals, creating an intimate reflection, drawing out feelings of vulnerability, loss and nostalgia. In lyrics like "But I guess none of that really matters now / Because we’re strangers at the door / after marriage and a boy, we’re strangers at the door.” The raw honesty resonates deeply, and the imagery suggests the a once-close relationship, possibly drawn from personal experience of witnessing his parents drift apart. These words evoke a quiet heartbreak, encouraging listeners to reflect on their relationships, past or present; and the emotional weight of growing distant invites others to feel vulnerable and embrace it.
‘From Fear’ is a striking blend of lyrical vulnerability and musical beauty. Still Young manage to capture the complexity of emotional unravelling through haunting ambiences, subtle instrumentals and candid storytelling.
Ana Joy King
Image: ‘Who You Were’ Official Cover
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