One thing I enjoy about running an Indie-focused reviews site is the diversity of submissions we receive. We will listen to every single genre, songs in various languages and certainly different abilities being displayed in song creation! But the beauty of indie music is that, when done correctly, it can be a view at raw talent and passion. Of course, this can be offset by imperfection; whether that’s recording, or little areas of songwriting that could be improved – but perfection is for the machines. Knowing You by ToystoryJohn is an absolutely ‘perfect’ example of beauty in the imperfection.

 

Aptly set to VHS-filtered footage of what appears to be thewest coast of America, the video submission feels like a surf trip. With jumping guitars, as well as roughly recorded vocals, give this track a very authenticand loose sound. The guitars, recorded with this in mind, fit the genre perfectly, and for the most part so do the vocals. There’s a couple of the moments where the looseness of the vocals, particularly when multi-tracked or harmonising, can feel a little chaotic.

However, there’s enough relief from the surf-rock soundscape with dynamic stabs and dips in the song to give a rest musically. Overall, the song is a great example of songwriting for a genre and how sometimes you can create a great sound without a perfect recording. Everything does what it needs to, and Toystoryjohn creates a great unique sound with what he has.

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