Stayne - Parachute

Stayne - Parachute

Derry singer/songwriter Stayne makes a highly anticipated return to the ‘new releases’ column with ‘Parachute’. A self-described pop artist who brings “something a little different,” his newest single pulls no punches. On his latest, the ‘Islay’ performer tackles everything from alcoholism, spirituality and needing someone to hold on to a 'human parachute.’ Know to fuse his lyricism with introspection and self-worth before sending them out into the world, Stayne’s newest is his best so far.

The warm gruff vocals of the walled city resident flow into range, telling a tale of victory and failure. A stripped back arrangement of keys and ghostly strings help elevate the vocal message, ultimately committing addition by subtraction. Wallowing in a more subtle sound than would be expected from pop allows Stayne to bring his voice to the forefront, giving lines such as “I’m a whole different man when I’m holding a beer” a new gravity.

With this being said, the delicate nature of Parachute should not be mistaken for tenderness. Rather, it is raw to the touch, with an echoing ache reverberating between lyrics. Regret and lovelorn hindsight drip from the syllables like sweat. At its emotional core, Parachute is a ballad for things left unsaid and deeply cut relationships. Fuelled by the type of indulgent pain that made Biffy Clyro’s ‘Many Of Horror’ a hit (“Tell me what you want and I’ll mess it up… Beat me to death so I can feel your touch”), the hardest hitting stanzas are seared with an all too realistic experience.

Led by a mix of soothing keys and gliding strings that held the song float along without breaking the surface tension, the gentle intuition bursts forth with the line “Holy Father who I don’t recognise, Mother can you hear me cry.” Ending on the hook, with its protective desire emanating forth, is significant. Stayne wants the listener to have his intentions locked in their brains. Mission accomplished.

Less an announcement and more a declarative fanfare, Staynes newest number is a showcase in emotional indie pop and left me salivating for more.