Arliston’s latest single, “Vertical,” is a powerful addition to their discography and a compelling preview of their forthcoming album, *Disappointment Machine*. The song is an emotive blend of alternative and indie sounds, crafted with a keen sense of dynamics and lyrical depth. From the moment “Vertical” starts, it captures attention with its intimate baritone vocals and the gentle pulse of piano keys. The opening sets a reflective mood, drawing listeners in with a personal touch. As the track unfolds, the intensity builds through a mix of fluttering drum beats and rich bass lines. This transition from subtle to explosive demonstrates Arliston’s ability to balance quiet introspection with anthemic energy.
The song’s lyrics explore the struggles of navigating a tumultuous period in life. Jack Ratcliffe, the band’s vocalist and instrumentalist, uses the metaphor of “vertical” to represent overwhelming obstacles and emotional walls. His lyrics, including the poignant line, “how should I know just whether I can carry on?” express a deep sense of uncertainty and self-doubt. The production of “Vertical” adds layers to its emotional impact. Initially, the drums were created from chopped-up samples, but with Sam Catchpole’s live drumming, they evolve into a standout element of the song. This addition provides a driving rhythm that complements the track’s soaring moments. George Hasbury, the producer, describes this process as both fun and innovative, highlighting how the live drums inject a new energy into the song. Arliston’s influences are evident in “Vertical,” echoing the introspective styles of bands like The National and Bon Iver. Their sound, characterized by a blend of indie rock and heartfelt lyrics, resonates with the themes of their music. The song’s production is crisp and deliberate, ensuring that every element contributes to its emotional depth.
Jack Ratcliffe’s songwriting is particularly noteworthy. He crafted the song with a sense of personal reflection, inspired by the everyday struggle of forgetting simple things and the resulting feelings of inadequacy. The metaphor of searching for something as basic as keys in a pile of clothes is a vivid representation of feeling lost and overwhelmed. This imagery effectively captures the essence of feeling stuck and unable to move forward. Despite the heavy themes, “Vertical” concludes on a more hopeful note. Jack explains that the song ends with a shift to a major key, symbolizing the release of negative emotions and the gradual easing of life’s pressures. The closing lines suggest a sense of relief and acceptance, showing that even the most challenging times eventually give way to a clearer perspective. “Vertical” by Arliston is a standout track that combines emotional depth with a powerful sonic presence. It’s a song that speaks to anyone grappling with personal challenges and offers a sense of catharsis through its compelling mix of lyrical vulnerability and anthemic energy. With “Vertical,” Arliston not only showcases their musical talent but also their ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
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