Back in December, New Zealand-based band In The Shallows released “There You Are,” a sweet, soft, folksy love tune. If you liked that song, I’ve good news and bad news. The bad news is their latest track, “Let It Go,” sounds nothing like it. The good news is that it may be the band’s best song yet.
From time to time there comes an artist whom you think you’ve got all figured out, and with one song they destroy all preconceived notions. This writer was fortunate enough to review “There You Are” which I loved, and I thought In The Shallows were well on their way to becoming a fantastic acoustic-folk band. So when I found their latest single, “Let It Go,” I immediately jumped on it, excited to listen to another intimate, heartwarming song. The instant I hit play, my jaw dropped. Horns? Reggae guitar? The bass and drums shouldn’t be allowed to groove this hard…is this a Fishbone record?
The fact of the matter is the group’s songwriting is so strong that the musical context does not matter. Having said that, it’s clear the musicianship is out of this world too because they sound way too comfortable in this space. They are so tight and seasoned on this track that I still cannot believe this is the same band I heard 2 months ago. Try to imagine Zooey Deschanel singing lead for Toots and the Maytals, or Gwen Stefani sitting in with the Mamas and the Papas. It shouldn’t work, but obviously In The Shallows are not to be underestimated. What are their limitations now? Do they have any?
I don’t give out ratings, but this is a 5-star record. I’d give it 6 stars if I could, but that would just be irresponsible. This band is special, flat out. I’m beyond excited for (and, frankly, a little afraid of) what they’re working on next. I have no doubt it will be magical.
Written by Tim Clark
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