London-based band Rusty Halo infuse ardent rock appeal with city-life introspection on new single “City Ballad,” invoking a ’90s nostalgia in its stirring aesthetic. The track plays like an ode to city inhabitants who persevere — experiencing the day-to-day rush of metropolitan life and the demanding expectations that arise within.
A bustling bass, pit-pattering percussion, and the sound of sirens immediately concoct a nocturnal city setting, traversing seamlessly thereafter into a rousing array of guitar tones. A distorted undercurrent and wailing lead infuse within intensifying percussion for a climactic entrancement. “Feeling alright now, in this city,” an anthemic vocal vigor lets out, sounding like an enjoyable cross of early Manic Street Preachers’ griminess and throwback, hair rock theatrics.
An especially impactful sequence takes hold at the three-minute turn, when the vocals unleash a sweltering ferocity. “Wake me up and tell me that this life we have’s alright,” the ensuing vocals beckon, attaining a more subdued introspection prior to another emotionally charged rock build-up — which caps off “City Ballad” with satiating enjoyment. “City Ballad” is a resonating rock success from Rusty Halo.
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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.
