A heart-aching, reflective sound stirs on “West Virginia,” the new track from Cliff & Susan. The Little Rock-based duo meld country and folk charms with relatable thematic pursuits — which on “West Virginia” depicts the process of moving on from childhood familiarity and into an unknown future. Specifically, the track focuses on a young man who is leaving his childhood love, a woman named Virginia. “This story isn’t ours, but it is someone’s,” Cliff Prowse says. “I think a lot of people have felt the pull between love and leaving.”
Produced collaboratively with acclaimed Nashville-based producer and mix engineer Colt Capperrune, “West Virginia” develops with captivating ardency. Trickling acoustics combine with reflections on the relationship’s beginning, when “I was 10 and she was 9 … she was my only friend, and she was good at being mine.” The setting — just south of Richmond — combines with these character accounts for a cinematic, heart-tugging allure.
The track progressions into confessions of love and marriage, though also changing feelings. “It’s gonna hurt at first, but I know it’ll be worse if I stay,” the vocals then let out, then declaring “I’m going West, Virginia.” Ruminations on a sense of home, safety, and moving on from the past are conveyed with tactful, immersive enthrallment on this standout track from the duo, who also caught our ears earlier this year with the track “Spitfire.”
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
