It’s sad to think that Reduction in Force might be right, that compromise might be life’s only constant. Sad but true, after all, they aren’t the first to notice this, for as the adage goes, “nothing ever changes but the shoes!”
But if life, in general, might be about comfort zones and complacency, RiD are certainly smart enough to understand that there are limits, that some things are sacred and some things…their music… isn’t something that they are prepared to compromise on! Charged with the spirit of turn-of-the-century alt-rock, golden age indie, and even echoing the earlier post-punk pioneers, there is a feeling of familiarity here, although you can’t quite put your finger on anyone specific, as it reworks those reminiscent sonic touches into a new sound—the best of both worlds.
And leaving the nuts and bolts and journalistic chin stroking (hey, it’s a job!) behind for a moment, the song’s main attribute is both more obvious and simple. It is hooky as hell…addictive and energetic. Dynamic is created by clever use of rising anthemics and suductive lulls, sonic highs and understated respite, meaning when it wants to be subtle, there is space, space which means that when the song comes roaring back in, it does so with gusto.
Maybe RiF are right, maybe life is mainly about compromise, thankfully though, they know that some things are sacred, and such complacency, the desire to keep people happy, give them what they want (never do that) and live up to others’ expectations, doesn’t get anywhere near their music.
