The Highs and lows through the eyes of The Grand Mess

You'd be forgiven for thinking at first glance that "Summertime" by Canadian Singer, Songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist "The Grand Mess" was yet another song celebrating the passage of seasons into the ever-loved summer, but this is October, and this is The Grand Mess, there's always more just under the surface with him.

What seems to begin as a down-tempo ode to the change of seasons and moods, opens up to reveal a much grittier take, on the pursuit of high-note sentiments and the vicious cycles we perpetuate by trying to hang on to those positive sensations beyond what is healthy.

Commenting on the song, TGM says that Summertime "talks about the end of the winter and the emergence of the nightlife once again." and what I like best about this particular quote is that it can also be taken to mean the return of that same nightlife in a world that is slowly opening back up after a long "winter" period of COVID, were moods grew cold and everyone was trapped inside their homes, suffering from bouts of depression and anxiety brought about by a mixture of intensely negative news circus and the pressures of uncertainty and lack of human contact.

Featuring Long-time collaborator, rapper Oren Major, "Summertime" chill, atmospheric vibe toys around with trip-hop, R&B, synthpop, and more than a little Trap. Although the track itself is somewhat minimalistic and terse, it's not lacking in texture, and at no point does it feel empty or too bare-bones, on the contrary, between Grand Mess' excellently smooth vocals and his warm synth tones, the harmonies manage to fill quite a lot of musical space with a choice selection of moderate, relaxing sounds. Oren's rap contributions propose a change of pace to the mix, injecting dynamism and attitude amidst the pleasantness.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based. 

I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant  ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.