There are moments in music when a song goes beyond mere sound, becoming an emotional journey, a raw expression of the soul’s deepest corners. I am pleased to inform you today that, Arliston’s latest single, “Vertical,” from their upcoming album “Disappointment Machine,” is one of those moments. Walking the fine line between introspective melancholy and anthemic alt-indie rock, this track is a sonic landscape that invites us to wander through the labyrinth of memory and loss. “Vertical” was released on July 27 and each note is carefully measured to hold back a flood of feeling. Let’s get into it.
From the top, Jack Ratcliffe’s intimate baritone vocals draw us in, grounded in the delicate cadence of paced piano keys and a fluttering of drum beats that gradually build in intensity. This, sets a tone of quiet contemplation, as though the music itself is searching for something lost. The opening lines, “under rags, under inches, move slowly / out of wine, out of water, stagnant,” then paint a picture of desolation and inertia. A feeling of being stuck in the past and unable to move forward. It’s a haunting imagery and evokes a sense of decay and forgotten memories. Ratcliffe’s voice is rich with emotion. It offers a sense of weariness that feels all too familiar. The vocals are delivered gently with a powerful resonance, allowing us to feel every subtle inflection. It’s more like Ratcliffe inviting us into his thoughts.
Now, as the song progresses and we delve into the lyrics, it goes deeper into themes of lost time and forgotten memories—” wherever I put it, I don’t remember / must have worn these, / how should I know, just whether I can carry on.” These lines, repeated with growing intensity, capture the struggle to hold onto something important amidst the fog of recollection. It’s a poignant reflection on the fragments of life that slip through our fingers, the moments we can’t quite piece together, yet which weigh heavily on our souls. Personally, this is a song I didn’t just play. It immersed me in. By the time Ratcliffe sang, “I don’t remember the days I sat inside the car crying / Feeling it’s vertical because I know you’re feeling low,” I was already feeling it.
Instrumentally, “Vertical” is a masterpiece of alternative and indie rock, with lush, layered production that adds depth to the song’s emotional core. The piano, subtle yet persistent, weaves through like a thread connecting the disparate parts of the narrative. The drums, handled by Sam Catchpole, are steady but restrained, allowing the song to breathe while still providing a solid backbone. Brett Shaw’s percussion adds texture, creating an expansive and cinematic, yet personal soundscape. Also, the production, courtesy of George Hasbury, is immaculate, balancing the rawness of the lyrics with a polished, atmospheric sound that elevates the track to something truly special.
Arliston, the brainchild of Jack Ratcliffe and George Hasbury, have outdone themselves with “Vertical.” Their ability to blend introspective lyrics with expansive, anthemic music sets them apart in the alt-indie rock world. “Vertical” is an experience and it’s a journey through the corridors of memory, guided by evocative vocals and masterful instrumentation. With this release. So, as we find ourselves soaked in this track, let’s allow it to be our guide; a song that doesn’t just ask us to listen, but to feel, to remember, and to carry on. But remember, if “Disappointment Machine” is anything like this single, we are in for an awesome album.
Listen to “Vertical” by Arliston on Spotify or SoundCloud.
Follow Arliston on here for more information.
PS: The artist was discovered on MusoSoup, and a contribution is being made to publish this.
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