San Diego-based project Reduction in Force continues an impressive run of singles with “No ID,” showcasing a hooky synth-touched alt-rock sound within lyrical commentaries of identity, labels, and societal pressure. Led by Mike Mills, Reduction in Force pair relatable thematic pursuits with an approachably replay-inducing sound, evident on “No ID” and on the project’s two previous singles, “What’s Next?” and “We Run.”
“This song is about confronting the moment when labels have become absurd — yours, theirs, everyone’s,” Mills says. “We are many things all at once – that’s core to what it means to be human. It’s time we honor that by living it, not running around paralyzed by words or the fear of scrutiny.”
Melodic guitars and stylish, buzzing synths commence the track with twangy allure, building into a suave vocal introspection — exploring that aforementioned concept of labeling absurdity. “You try on all these different clothes, none fit, not the one you want most,” Mills’ vocals push forward, then asking “how do you control what others see?” with poignant impact. The one-minute turn invigorates with the re-injection of starry-eyed synths, as heartrending lyricism inquires “why can’t you see me as me?”
A delectable hook ensues — “flash your badge, no one cares” — as thumping bass and magnetic synths push into a title-touting rock-edged unveiling. This particular sequence reminds stirringly of Sparks, in its punchy, inventive charm. An atmospheric bridge also takes hold as the final minute approaches, exuding a lush spaciousness before an ardently memorable conclusion — immersing with an enthused vocal repetition and resonating guitar work, with shades of Pulp. “No ID” is another stellar showcase in songwriting and melodic energy from Reduction in Force.
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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.
