“Houston, we have a problem” is an iconic phrase, one we seem to apply to myriad aspects of life, and a perfect metaphor for the loss of communication and growing distance in a relationship that is the theme of this latest song from George Collins. Although the pedant in me feels I must point out that the line is actually, “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here,” but where would the world be without poetic license, eh? (The UK perhaps!)
But, my linguistic pettiness aside, this phrase is the perfect reference point, not just suggesting things going off course in said relationship but also evoking the vastness of the space between the couple —the idea that, even when in the same room, cosmic distances separate them and that they are little more than faint blips on each other’s scanners.
It is a heartbreaking sentiment put to a beautiful musical platform, as the two voices weave through each other, in glorious harmony, but somehow sounding as if they are communicating from opposite ends of the solar system, they do so on a bed of soaring and swooping violin and chiming piano – haunting and heartfelt, seductive and serene.
George Collins is a man who can turn his hand to most styles of music – rock, americana, folk, indie, country, even pop – but this, for my money, is his most brilliant piece to date. If, after just the first spin, you are not already falling in love with its dulcet tones, then you may as well be floating alone through the cold void of a distant galaxy.
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