The track, just over five minutes long, is sure to pack an emotional punch. Lead singer Blaine Harrison’s hauntingly earnest, well-controlled vocals open the single, tugging at your heartstrings and complementing the slow tempo and melodic beat of the first minute.
For want of a better cliché, this combination of great vocals and a soft beat really does connect you to the story of the song almost instantly. The story is a tragic one that follows the loss of a close personal friend of the band. In the press release, Mystery Jets stated: “The song is a celebration of a life cut short but one which lives on in our memory and our music”. Therefore, this track really does underpin the personal, story-driven nature that has always sat at the forefront of the band’s career, which has spanned over two decades.
Such a personal track brings incredibly powerful lyrics, reinforcing Mystery Jets’ reputation as talented songwriters. Lines like “Oh I still remember the night; you drew a line / Smoked your last cigarette / Then you left with an Irish goodbye” are thought-provoking and prompt reflection on your own childhood friendships.
The chorus features an impressive belt from Harrison, backed by inspiring instrumentation and strong riffs. The most moving part is the pain in Harrison’s voice as he sings about the privilege of loving his late friend.
In short, ‘Soul River’ feels like an embodiment of the saying, “better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all” — a truly exceptional ode that clearly honours the memory of someone very special.
Cory Gourley
Image: ‘Soul River’ Official Single Cover
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