“Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition)” is a stirring new track from Seattle-based band The Higher Desires, who meld a rousing rock sound with evident lyrical veneration for veterans and the hardships they endure. Their sacrifices are difficult to put into words, but “Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition)” is especially moving in capturing the cycle of their service — from fish-out-of-water feelings when facing war for the first time, sometimes at the age of 18, to the enduring effects of military life. Furthering the release’s admirable thematic focus, on veterans and their selflessness, is the band’s decision to donate 100% of its royalties to veterans’ health and well-being charities.
Along with recent single “The Children,” “Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition)” showcases the band’s drive to embrace those who sacrifice their well-being for others’ safety, and in general hoping for more peace and harmoniousness in the future. Their heavier themes — like the depictions of young soldiers go off to war — are balanced by universal sentiments of love and respect. Songwriter William Walbaum ventures seamlessly from acoustic-set introspections to ardent rock vigor, such as with “Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition).”
“Some are only 18 when they go to war,” the vocals open the track, progressing into a sense of appreciation — whilst we sit home and eat ice cream. “They’re the unknown soldiers,” a spirited vocal segment expands, rightfully calling them heroes as the guitars and rhythm section ascend in emotion. The “so many names” reflections pair with bluesy guitar twangs for an especially moving sequence. A patriotic guitar solo caps it all off, ending this moving track with sating impact.
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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.
