SINGLE REVIEW: James Keen - Minutes to Midnight
'Minutes to Midnight' is a wonderful folk-rock gem, drawing clear inspiration from the likes of Neil Young and Bob Dylan while infusing a modern edge reminiscent of Thea Gilmore.
It weaves together bright, jangly guitars with a captivating charm, accompanied by James' vocals that maintain a crisp, expressive quality while allowing emotions to flow seamlessly. The dynamic shifts in the track enhance the impact of James' narrative, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in his words with even greater intensity.
The narrative within the song delves into the pressing issue of climate change and a world on the brink of self-destruction. It serves as a poignant plea to confront the damage inflicted on our planet by favouring convenience over sustainability, highlighting the consequences of our collective inaction as we witness our world erode through waste and poor choices.
The song emphasises that everything we hold dear is a ticking time bomb unless we actively strive for change to halt or, at the very least, delay the impending catastrophe.
The pace of the song intensifies the urgency of the lyrics, allowing them to resonate with greater power and significance. The dramatic and absorbing guitar outro adds a dark aura, akin to the relentless ticking of a clock, underscoring the idea that time is running out.
'Minutes to Midnight' is a profoundly moving track, executed beautifully to make it both an infectious and easy-to-listen-to piece of music, all while subtly reflecting the anger at the state of the world.
