Rhode Island Indie Alt Rock artist Mark Ramsey released their accordantly pensive single “January Rough Times” on August 21st and left us seriously bruised by the contrast of ethereally atmospheric instrumentals and their softly morose vocals gently finding synergy.
Is it blasphemy to say that Mark Ramsey’s semi-orchestral single may even be more viscerally captivating than Elliot Smith’s haunting singles? Probably, but I’d take the risk of a stoning to pay a fitting ode to the tender soundscape which becomes more intimate with every listen.
Every lyrical line draws you into the narrative deftly set up by Mark Ramsey. You’d have to entirely void of empathy not to be stung by poetic lyricism such as “You’re starting to sleep through the night, I’m starting to think that you missed the point and now there’s no telling what’s right but let’s not pretend it wasn’t your choice”.
January Rough Times is available to stream on all major platforms via this link.
Review by Amelia Vandergast