SINGLE REVIEW: James Cousins - Out In the Dark
Hailing from the small rural Australian town of Chinchilla but now residing on the country's East Coast, James Cousins is an emotionally charged singer-songwriter looking to carve his way in the music industry with his sensational debut single 'Out In the Dark'.
After spending his army days penning poems from the guard tower while stationed in Afghanistan, music was a natural progression. Leaving the army in 2020, James now has time to focus on his songwriting and bringing his words to life.
'Out In the Dark' has an authentic feel; it's clear the words mean a lot to James, and he's poured all of himself into them. Assertive and empowering, it urges the listener to keep going. To go out of the dark and embrace themselves. Keep trying; not everything has to succeed the first time. You'll achieve all you hope for if you keep pushing little by little. It projects the idea that you must ignore negativity, keep guarded, protect yourself but always reach for more. Focus on those who positively open your eyes and reject those that keep you suppressed.
A wonderfully open and vulnerable lyric, it gives the listener a chance to connect with James on a personal level while also being able to transpose his words into situations within their own life.
The track's stripped-back simplicity allows the sentiment to impact even more. While somewhat dark, yet hopeful within its subject matter, it has a bright, whimsical aura, like a ray of positivity that things will get better.
James' voice is wonderfully robust yet friendly, with a beautiful gravelly rasp and homely qualities.
It couples folk storytelling with the journeying feel of country and a twang of Americana. 'Out In the Dark' is a powerful track, demanding the listener look deeper into their own lives and turbulence and make the tough decision to change, refocus and move away from the things that society expects but are making them miserable and strive for something better.
'Out In the Dark' is a strong debut; James Cousins is definitely one to watch. His honest, reflective songwriting and graceful guitar playing make him a force to be reckoned with.
