A powerful folk introspection lingers on “The Dash,” an affecting new single from Low Stakes Band that takes inspiration from the concept of “the dash” — representing the line between birth and death. Written as a response to a poem of the same name, “The Dash” is an impactful portrayal of life’s beautiful yet fleeting nature, hopefully spurring an appreciation for life itself through the recognition of its temporary nature.
The duo of Eric Colville and Ann Holbrook craft a magnetic sound here, both infusing their haunting vocal precision through perceptions of life’s journey, and into a final “I hope the dash remembers” yearning. The track begins with a grimly accurate observation: “The dates on gravestones tell the length of a life, of years and passing seasons, countless days and nights.” Those two important dates — marking life and death — play as the bookends to the “dash between the numbers” — “where we spent our time, here with all the others,” the vocals let out, stirring amidst flickering acoustics and ghostly backing vocal touches.
A particularly poignant depiction of “the dash” is conveyed around the mid-point: “When the time has come, that dash will represent the things we’ve done.” Especially magnetic, caressing layers of guitar ensue as the vocals take a temporary reprieve, then re-emerging with dual entrancement in asking “will I be forgotten the moment that I’m gone?” and hoping to “celebrate our time together” ultimately, beyond worrying about the end’s judgment. “The Dash” is a captivating showcasing in immersive songwriting from Low Stakes Band.
