Andy Mclaughlan unleashes a scenic, memorable alt-rock disposition on his latest single “If I Be Damned.” Written and entirely self-produced in a coastal studio following “a turbulent period in Glasgow city centre,” the track explores resilience and personal transformation. With engineering contributions from Arthur Pingrey and AIR Studios, the song serves as a powerful artistic rebirth that balances haunting rock intrigue with dynamic vocal entrancement.
The track opens with a delectably grimy, climactic fervency — its scorching “there was a fire” lyrical scene-setting met aptly by rumbling bass, bustling rhythms, and swelteringly dark guitar tones. The foreboding atmospherics progress with commanding qualities, conjuring a sound with gripping shades of Queens of the Stone Age in its murky yet melodic impact. Twinkling keys/synths inject seamlessly prior to a wholly haunting shift past midpoint, where post-punk bass tones maneuver into ghostly wordless vocals, sending chills into spoken-word intrigue and “cross the river … weight on my shoulders” accounts of personal tumult.
Mclaughlan’s vocals maintain a captivating charisma throughout, both across initially ominous charm and the soulful ardor within the title-bearing proclamation, which concludes the track with consuming qualities into an expressive wordlessness and twanging guitar ferocity. “If I Be Damned” is a moody, enjoyably driving rock success from Andy Mclaughlan, who intended the track to be played loud. Regardless of the volume, it’s fully recommended.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
