Most of us grew up reading the story of David and Goliath, a great tale of daring do, and which is, of course, a metaphor, a parable, a lesson in guile over strength, a reminder that even the most powerful can be brought to their knees, that physical prowess isn’t always the only way.
And it is in that context that we encounter the titular “Goliath” of It’s Karma It’s Cool’s latest single, the third from their forthcoming album, One Million Suburban Sunsets. We all have our personal Goliaths, an embodiment of whatever challenges and hurdles block our way to the life we want to lead, the place, whether physical or otherwise, we are trying to reach.
As Jim Styring explains, ““Goliath” is about finding and believing in yourself, in a world of constant doubt and struggle. It’s about digging deep for the courage to move forward, staying focused, and overcoming whatever mental or physical giant is holding you back.”
And there is something of that dynamic, that balance of the powerful and the poised, to be found in the music that powers the sentiment along. The song ebbs and flows between statuesque, raw, and snarling guitars, and the lovely, lulling lows that delicately and deftly frame the voice.
It’s a masterclass in the on/off device, the art of putting the punch in pop, the juggling of the raw and refined, an example of the big and the clever co-existing: a great song and one in the eye for all the musical Philistines out there.
