If you are one of those people who like your music to come with neat generic tags, who like to be able to easily pigeon-hole a song into one tidy box or another, then you are going to have a few problems with the latest single from NoVanGogh, “The Weight of the World.” But then, in my opinion, the best music is that which wanders the musical landscape, building its uniqueness as it gathers sounds and styles wherever it finds them.
“Weight of the World” is a song that ebbs and flows between several genres; it has the accessibility of the pop world, a grace and seduction that is found in soul music, a reggae groove that becomes more pronounced as the song moves forward and even a sort of gypsy-folk vibe thanks to the passing of a wandering violin. A gorgeous sonic design woven from all manner of musical strands.
The message here is both timeless and timely, a song that speaks truth to power but which, by avoiding specific names and places, could never be accused of preaching, more a general take on the darkness and difficulties we, as individuals, face in a world that seems to have lost its way.
Bandcamp (live on April 21)
Spotify
Bandcamp
Spotify
You’re Right There video
Spotify
