Owen Young ‘Three’, the third installment in his “Muddy River” series, offers a stark yet reflective look at personal and societal challenges that emerged from the pandemic. The three tracks on this EP are deeply introspective, blending personal emotion with larger cultural commentary. They offer a powerful mix of melancholy, nostalgia, and frustration that makes them stand apart from the first two parts of the album.
“Voices in the Dust” begins the EP with a heartfelt letter to an old friend. The track carries a sense of longing, as Young reflects on lost connections and the passage of time. His voice, raw and honest, draws the listener in, and the acoustic arrangement creates an intimate atmosphere. The song’s simplicity serves as a canvas for its emotional weight, capturing the pain of separation and the desire to reconnect. “Runnin’ Down the River” shifts the focus to a more nostalgic tone, as Young reflects on the ideals of the Sixties. The song carries a sense of melancholy over the loss of those ideals in the present day. Its flowing melody mirrors the river’s movement, symbolic of time and change. The lyrics capture the struggles of those who lived through the Sixties, contrasting their dreams with the harsh realities of today. It’s a contemplative track that invites listeners to think about the passage of time and the ideals that may have faded along the way.
https://owenyoung.bandcamp.com/album/three?from=embed
“That Could Have Been You” closes the EP with a more intense, fiery energy. In this track, Young expresses frustration with the self-interest that has flourished during the pandemic. The music intensifies, mirroring the urgency and anger in the lyrics. It’s a rant that calls out the lack of compassion and empathy that became so apparent during the shutdown. The track is bold and unapologetic, offering a powerful critique of society’s indifference to one another’s struggles. Together, the three songs on ‘Three’ make a cohesive and emotionally resonant EP. Owen Young’s lyrics are thought-provoking, exploring themes of love, societal decline, and personal reflection. The simplicity of the production allows his voice and message to stand front and center, making this EP a deeply personal and powerful part of the ‘Muddy River” series.
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