One thing I enjoy about running an Indie-focused reviewssite is the diversity of submissions we receive. We will listen to every singlegenre, songs in various languages and certainly different abilities beingdisplayed in song creation! But the beauty of indie music is that, when donecorrectly, it can be a view at raw talent and passion. Of course, this can beoffset by imperfection; whether that’s recording, or little areas ofsongwriting that could be improved – but perfection is for the machines. KnowingYou by ToystoryJohn is an absolutely ‘perfect’ example of beauty in theimperfection.

 

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

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

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