Single Review: Let It Go

One can discover pretty much everything they need about the new single from Wellington duo In The Shallows by looking at the cover, as Let It Go is packed full of sunshine, festivals and fun. Although related to their normal folk style, this sees Danni Parsons and Lance Shepherd produce something which is crossing the boundaries of reggae, ska and pop, with some folk in there just for good measure. A wonderfully rhythmic bass sets the tone, with reggae-style guitar riffs, the snare drum being hit on the third beat in the bar, delicate Jerry Dammers-style keyboards, and some wonderful horns over the top.

Of course, while all that is going on, we have the delicate delicious vocals from Danni with Lance joining in on the harmonies in the chorus. Danni has a voice I find I can fall into it, there is something both relaxing and luxurious in her vocals, and in the small section where it is just her and the bass it is sheer delight. It is a song full of sunshine, designed to lift an audience to gently dance and sway with the music

Although the music is light and easy, there is a powerful message in the lyrics, saying we need to let go of expectations and our attachments to how we think our lives should look and be in this Instagram world, and instead understand that any certainty we thought we had is nothing but an illusion. Anyone who has been living on planet Earth for the last few years can certainly resonate with that, and in a time where there is so much division it is much better for us to realise, we are more similar to each other than we may like to admit.

Yet another wonderful song from one of my favourite duos, surely there must be a second album coming soon?