Following a dark and sinister track, this continues the theme from a different perspective.
The idea came from Phil playing a simple chord structure on the beat and then switching to the off beat which became the entire pulse of the song.
Conceptually we tell the story from the perspective of the addiction itself as it promises everything while delivering oblivion.
Lyrically I thought of the addiction as a snake oil salesman type, boisterous and large, who has a hidden agenda and is speaking directly to the listener, using high pressure sales tactics.
This was a difficult song to complete, with its stabbing, off beat rhythm and non standard chorus inspired in part by structures used in Simon & Garfunkel and The Police.
Production wise it stayed true to its original intent, but somewhere deep in the mixing phase I decided I wanted to redo the drums.
When we originally recorded them, I never felt it was quite right.
He was hitting the kick and hats on the beat, which is the conventional way to play a song like this, but Phil and I had been picky about that beat being flipped from day one, and I had never said anything to Alex or Aaron about it.
Anyway, long story short we put some new drums on there and everything that the other guys had played still worked perfectly and now I heard the song I was looking for.
Lesson learned by this guy - be sure of what you want.
At one point the vocal had to be reeled back because, internally, I was pushing for a street pusher/abusive pimp sort of feel a little too much and externally it was starting to sound a little bit like musical theatre, which was not was I was going for.
I think this song is unique in a bunch of ways, but what stands out to me the most is that stumbling, off kilter rhythm that Phil came up with.
The Promise
lyrics
Hey there baby, why you crying?
It's not like this is your worst crime.
We used to meet here every night.
I'd help you kiss the world goodbye.
I see the way you burn for me.
I promise you'll feel like the very first time that I lied.
Come on, ante up and double down,
Before your mind comes all unbound.
Deep inside you, something's missing.
You're like an echo without a sound.
It's almost like it used to be.
That's right baby, just one more time.
It's incredible, the things I can make you believe.
You're invincible tonight and the world is yours.
The inevitable ending's the sweetest release.
Thanks for everything, my darling.
Now you know, of course, that I lied.
You're fading fast, take me back in.
Before reality bites you from within.
Oh baby, trust me, nothing can hurt you,
As long as you've got me under your skin.
And when I'm rushing through your veins,
I'll take you flying like I used to babe.
I'll be your guide through the unfamiliar.
Come with me and I can lead you through that wall of fire.
Eight million faces in a shattered mirror.
I said I love you, but, I never said that you would survive.
Yeah, I lied.
Oh, yeah, I lied.
credits
from Let Me Go,
released March 19, 2024
Written by Jean-Pierre Larda & Phil Short
Vocals - Jean-Pierre K. Larda
Drums - Aaron Spink
Guitars - Sean Roberts
Bass - Alex Paris
Produced by Jean-Pierre K. Larda
Recorded at Artist Development Studio, Courtice
Engineered and mixed by Alex Paris
Mastered by John MacLeod at Sweet Daddy Sound, Ajax
Rising Philadelphia band balance oversized pop punk hooks with vivid, intimate lyrics, presenting a raw, honest vision of guitar music. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2022
