“Start a Flood” is a resonating new track from Dublin-based band Runway Lights, written following the death of Ashling Murphy. Runway Lights elaborate: “The song is an attempt to not just point out this imbalance and societal inadequacy, but to memorialise a young woman who was passionate about Irish culture, music, and her community and whose tragic passing rightfully stopped the heart of her nation.”
The track’s rock-forward production enamors in its tonal variety, initially subdued in its moody guitar lines, and then swelling into a fierce, fuzzy rock ‘n’ roll vigor. Louise O’Hanlon’s vocals immerse entirely, matching the instrumentation’s intensity — whether in the dreamy vocal tones amidst trickling guitars, or the anthemic intensity present during the distortion-ready moments. “Someone please tell me, who I have to be, to feel safe” her vocals beckon in the latter section.
By juxtaposing familiar safety rituals, like keys between fingers and speed dial readiness, with the image of a woman “running like a river,” the lyrics memorialize a life cut short while demanding a world where safety is a guarantee rather than a constant concern, particularly for women and marginalized groups. “Start a Flood” is an impactful standout showcase in songwriting from Runway Lights.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
