The latest track from Sydney-based duo Salarymen, “All In Vain” shimmers with jangly guitars and a backing synth-driven effervescence. The vibrant vocals drive to a delicious hook, resonating with pulsing keys and playful guitar riffs. A bridge around the three-minute mark, featuring spacey synths and backing acoustics, gradually assembles into shimmering guitars and soaring, elongated vocals. “All In Vain” is an especially melodic burst of sunshine from Salarymen.
The track was also released alongside a video (above), shot by Todd Stephen Logan, and featuring some beautiful Sydney landscapes, including Newtown’s backstreets, Sydney Park, Sydney Harbour, and Balmain’s foreshore.
Co-vocalist and bassist Renee de la Motte elaborates on the track’s themes:
“All in vain is a frank reflection on how much social media has crept into our lives, and placed pressure on us to look better and be present, all of the time. As a society, it has increased our narcissistic tendencies and driven us to compete with other people. What someone puts out on Instagram might look amazing, but in many cases they can be deeply insecure and unhappy with themselves. These platforms have become a constant force reminding people of what they lack, and this track is an uplifting reminder not to worry about what people think of you on the internet. You’re cool the way you are!”
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“All In Vain” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2021’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock.
