Traversing from comfortably hazy introspection to a rousing rock envelopment, “Don’t Go Down” is a single released today from Soapman. The project is led by UK-based artist Stephen Burgan. The track is penned like a love letter to a friend, providing support in telling them to hang in there in the midst of tumult. Themes of perseverance and friendship resonate within, pairing with a mixture of serene acoustics and twanging guitars alike for a melodic, emotively affecting sound — invoking a sort of timeless-feeling power-pop, a la Big Star.
Coming via Soapman’s upcoming album, Baby Giants, “Don’t Go Down” begins with quaint, conversational recollections. “I know that wasn’t true,” they let out, attaining a crisper quality as the “my friend, what can I do?” pondering arises — wondering how one can help a friend in need. Flourishing piano and twangy guitar delights intertwine at mid-point, into a jubilant “birds singing,” vocal expanse — sending chills and conveying a sense of hopeful recovery, reminiscent there fondly of Gruff Rhys. “Don’t Go Down” is a melodically moving showcase in quality songwriting from Soapman.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
