No one ever considers that their very livelihood could become endangered. It’s not a thought that springs to mind while you’re living day-to-day. For some, it will become a bitter reality. On his new single, “falling off the earth,” Jack Goldstein weaves together a country western style ballad about becoming a dying breed that vaults into a hybridized, thunderous electro-country blitz. It’s when basic simplicity meets the sledgehammer of modernity.
Initially evoking a serene stillness, this subtle bit of majesty solemnly segues into Goldstein’s turn as a prairie sage recounting what’s befallen the breadbasket. Eventually, it takes on a bit more of a rough and tumble exterior thanks to a percussive presence. Then, there’s the spritely keys that precede the first hints of this track’s impending electro evolution.
By the last refrain, this track keeps its rustic side intact with a twang of banjo. However, it’s about to convert its country roots into a reverberating onslaught of heavy bass. Remnants of banjo integrate with a barrage of emphatic pulses and precise zaps. From beginning to end, the contrast of this soundscape couldn’t be more stark.
At the end of a series of lamented verses, there’s the familiar refrain of “we’re falling off the earth,” which speaks to the silent death of a way of life. None more stark than the second verse that entails having your life bought out for pennies on the dollar. Not to mention, the grim reality of what awaits when your time of toil has since passed. Altogether, “falling off the earth” encapsulates what it is to become obsolete.
All in all, “falling off the earth” spans the scope of subtly desolate and gritty to intense and explosive. All the while, it seamlessly transforms from a straight-ahead country ballad to an electro-infused soundquake. Goldstein merges together two different sonic sensibilities into one cohesive, all-around experience.
Written by Travis Boyer
FOLLOW JACK GOLDSTEIN:
