Galloway’s new song “Attention” gives an anxiety-ridden mind a break, getting lost in sensation. The lyrics take listeners through the over-thinking, self-critical, and hyper-analytical mind set of the speaker, highlighting behaviors through lyrics like “stockpile all the missteps” and “you’re just confused, I’m in hell”. These words resonate deeply with anyone who gets stuck in their head, with a stark comparison of confusion and distress. That grasping for a tangible answer while getting stuck in a cycle of maybe’s and what if’s can become a constant, and the lyrics “I’ll just pretend I’m alright” feel like that relatable mask we put on when we are not okay. The chorus takes us into touch, allowing the speaker to ground themself in sensation, and saying “I like the feeling when you’re giving me too much attention”. This stimulation, while not taking away the person’s stresses, allows for solace in a moment of escape. Telling listeners that they are not alone in racing thoughts and worries, this song lets people know that you can enjoy life’s pleasures even while anxieties exist.
Fast-paced, deep, and twangy layers of synth instrumentals bring an edgy and stimulating opening to this song. The sound emulates the continuous thoughts portrayed by the speaker in the lyrics. The vocals are calm and flowy, and background vocals echo the lyrics like reverberating thoughts. Percussion joins the instrumentals, punctuating the song with gentle pulses, and the lyrics speed up during the pre-chorus. Every layer of the song gets louder and more defined as instrumentals drop the electronic sound and the vocals brightly coast through the positive feeling of the chorus. In an exciting blend of thoughtful and uplifting sounds, "Attention" is a calm song in a storm of racing thoughts.
Galloway is a LGBTQ+ independent alt-pop band from North Carolina. In 2017, Lawson Galloway began his musical pursuits solo, but since then, the band has grown to include Robert Redfield on guitar, Travis Hayes on keys and guitar, Nick Williams on bass and keys, and Daniel Crump on drums. The band has singles and EPs dating back to 2018, and moving through their discography, you can truly appreciate the evolution of their sound while still maintaining their impactful voice. They regularly play at North Carolina venues and events like The Evening Muse, Shakori Hills, North Carolina State Fair, and Charlotte Pride. Presently, they are using their platform to garner support for relief of damage done by Hurricane Helen. Check out the links below to learn more about the band and their music!
Written By Hanna Kowal
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