This is a tune to keep an eye out for. Stephen McCafferty’s new song Reason to Run.
The track itself has an indie vibe with an acoustic guitar intro to allow space for the listener to contemplate the cryptic lyrics. Lyrics which seem to hint at the hippy era with the phrase “child of the sun” jumping out at me from the chorus. In true indie fashion, the pedals are stomped on at the end of the first chorus bringing in the rest of the band. I would put this on a playlist with KT Tunstall, The La’s, and Cast for its indie aesthetic but there is something even older about the song too. I think an acoustic version with just guitar and vocal would be more suitably grouped with The Kinks and their contemporaries.
The lyrics really are so open for interpretation, although I know they refer to something specific for Stephen. He describes the first verse as an account of a dream and the second relating to a night that went pear-shaped in Amsterdam. At the same time, it is in no way alienating. The melodies ensure that the song will get stuck in your head for all the right reasons.
I can visualise Stephen and his band (Jason Rees, drums & Dario Ferrante, bass) in the studio having a great time as he experimented with different backing vocals and percussion instruments to create this beautiful indie-pop song.
It’s out on the 26th of March but in the meantime, you can spark your curiosity by checking out his other tunes whether you listen to music. I recommend Lord knows I’m Trying for some sweet melancholy.
