Engaging with alternations between heartfelt folk introspections and ardently melodic pleas, “Talk is Cheap” is a new track from Arn., a band based in Letterkenny, Ireland. Dazzling in its various aesthetical realms, from the lushly magnetic acoustic complements to the fervent guitar solo past the mid-point, “Talk is Cheap” succeeds in both its structural momentum and thematic grip. “Talk is Cheap” specifically addresses the frustrations of daily life in Ireland, though is very relatable in its generational laments on political, economical, and personal strife.
Ireland’s high cost of living, lofty taxes, and housing crises has led to frustrations, understandably, and the band captures them in artful form. “We love this place and we don’t want to leave it,” they note of Ireland, though also acknowledging that low wages relative to climbing costs of living have made it difficult to remain. “This feeling is not just felt in Ireland,” they add. “People all over the world are feeling the effects of inflation and careless governance. It’s only a matter of time before it all boils over. This song perfectly captures that feeling.”
“Life is becoming a drain,” the vocals commiserate during the enveloping chorus, pondering whether one should remain resilient in their home or move on to a place where realistic wages and proper cost-of-living are more attainable. “You should’ve left, I should’ve gone,” they admit thereafter, following a lovely guitar solo. “I’ll take a mortgage out to just get a pint of beer,” captures the sense of tumult further; “Talk is Cheap” is a poignant, stirring success from Arn.
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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.
