It takes a special kind of songwriter to pen a song about suicide, reflect on what thoughts and feelings led them to such a place, and not make it a melancholy and maudlin piece. But that is what Saint Nick the Lesser has done here. Not only has he set those memories and emotions to an upbeat, edgy folk sound, but he has also used the experience to create a message of optimism and hope, a reminder that whatever you are going through, whatever drives you to such a place, it is a transitory thing —a situation that will get better. As a wise man once said, “When you find yourself going through hell…keep going!”
With obvious and unashamed nods to the likes of Chuck Regan and Frank Turner (hey, it’s not like they invented the punk-infused singer-songwriter style, is it?), “21 Minutes” is one of those songs that goes beyond mere entertainment; it’s important. Much like Gaz Brookfield’s anti-bullying song (which features the aforementioned Mr. Turner as one of its video cameos), “Be the Bigger Man,” this is positive acoustic punk-folk at its most potent and poignant. This is the sort of music that should be played in schools. This is music as advice, therapy, education, and wisdom.
A banjo joins Nick’s voice and guitar to keep things rootsy and raw, but as great as the music is, it is the message that is the main feature here. The message is this: life is worth living, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and better times do lie ahead. Trust him, he should know; he has the scars to prove it.
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