Their latest single, titled ‘Let Us In’, does just that. Notably recorded on a mixture of analog and digital tape recordings, they use these imperfections and slight differences between the two to their advantage. They don’t hide them, they showcase them. And this works on a metatheatrical level too- by embracing these potential faults at the core of contrasting two types of recording equipment, the social issues they sing about become inherently highlighted. The listener is encouraged to love these parts of the song, as we are called to acknowledge and encourage change and social growth.
The track carries a continuous weight with it as we enjoy the journey The Shrubs take us on. It doesn’t fluctuate too much, nor does it really veer from the band’s authenticity, but rather it allows us to sit and be brought with them as they perform. We don’t have to work out difficult subject matter or try to pick out sections of the single to love or to hate; we are allowed to enjoy it as an entire body. We are encouraged to. It feels like a very human, a very individual thing that the band have created with genuine soul, so the tension between old and new, or between lyric and instrument become representations of the so called ‘them and us; society people grow to be compliant to in the modern world.
We are all human, all one body of being that all deserve the same experience and opportunities in life. We love the same, we care the same for each other, and, as the band put it, “We’re all a little crazy”.
Overall, this is an incredible track with such an intense sense of authenticity; it is beyond remarkable.
Abby Tapping
Image: ‘Let Us In Official Single Cover
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