“Shallow Water,” the latest release from Johnny Mac’s From the Bunker Series, is a hauntingly beautiful masterclass in atmospheric folk pop. Released in late October 2025, the track serves as a raw, sonic excavation of the human spirit, capturing the precise moment an individual chooses between emotional surrender and the difficult climb back to the surface.
The song’s most striking feature is its instrumentation. Eschewing the cluttered production common in modern indie pop, Mac anchors the track with a mourning cello. This choice is brilliant; the cello’s deep, resonant tones mimic the weight of the water Mac describes, pulling the listener into his internal depths. Complemented by ethereal synth strings and a steady, rhythmic piano, the arrangement creates a sense of “suspended motion”, the feeling of treading water while looking at a distant shore.
Mac’s vocal delivery is intentionally subdued, almost whispered, as if he is sharing a confession before his breath runs out. The lyrics are where the track finds its bite. When he sings, “So now I stand in the shallow water / Where questions run so deep,” he perfectly captures the paradox of minor problems that feel catastrophic. The metaphor of “shallow water” suggests that while his struggles may seem manageable to an outsider, the “tide” of his own pride and betrayal makes them life threatening.
What makes “Shallow Water” stand out in 2025’s musical landscape is its refusal to offer a cheap, happy ending. Instead, it offers solidarity. It is a song for anyone who has felt paralyzed by their own thoughts. By the time the final notes fade, Mac hasn’t necessarily reached the shore, but he has invited us to stand in the water with him.
This has been added to our Lit Vibes Spotify Playlist. Discover all the incredible artists featured and give the playlist a follow to stay tuned for more great music!
