“Complicate This” by Rainbow City Park begs to take a relationship in the direction of romance through moments of vulnerability and intimate intensity. This song captures that feeling when you’re so close to getting together with someone, but you’ve got that lingering fear that you’ve misread the signs. The song begins by laying the speaker’s hesitancy on the line, fearing a lack of reciprocation, and quickly squashes those doubts through the lyrics, “I see red flushing your cheeks and it’s no question to me”. From the very first verse, the lyrics had me rooting for the couple, inspiring excitement in my chest. Shifting to a feeling of certainty, the pre-chorus asks the question, “who’s gonna be the first one to make a move?” These words take listeners into the intensity of the moment as these people sit in their attraction to one another. The title of the song is an invitation through the chorus, and brings complication into a positive light. These words tell listeners that yes, romance is more complex, but it’s definitely worth giving it a go. As an inspiring dive into romance, “Complicate This” will captivate you as it embraces the possibility of making a friendship something more.
The sound of this song builds, like the emotions in the lyrics are rising higher through the tune. Reverberating guitar opens the song with a dramatic and emboldening sound that is sure to capture your attention. Dani Judith’s soft and entrancing vocals delve into the lyrics, bringing a storytelling quality to the verse. Throughout the song, the lyrics are delivered with a love-struck feeling that captures the floaty energy of leaning into a connection. Gaining a soothing excitement, the vocals work slowly through the questions through the pre-chorus, prolonging the intensity of the want that is buzzing through the words. Listeners float into those ‘I like you’ jitters as the sound takes on the longing energy of the lyrics.
As strong, layered acoustic and electric guitar riffs pair with powerful drums, “Complicate This” embodies the dreamy feeling of a 90’s rock love song. The guitar grows even bolder with its beautiful riff through the chorus, the vocals gain a dreamy quality. Dani’s voice becomes fuller through the bridge, emboldening the honesty and vulnerability of the lyrics. The tune moves on to an incredible guitar interlude that captures the escalating emotions of the song’s meaning. An incredible example of Rainbow City Park’s guitar-fuelled and romantic sound, “Complicate This” is perfect for fans of boygenius and The 1975.
Rainbow City Park is a California-based indie pop-rock band that blends 90’s alt-rock with dream pop in their exciting sound. The band is made up of Dani Judith on lead vocals and guitar, Chris O’Keefe on guitar, Ryan Williams on drums, and Nick Nassab with guitar and vocals. The band formed in 2022, and have since toured Northern California and supported artists like Japanese Breakfast and The National Parks at the Farm-to-Fork Festival. They have many upcoming shows across California, with information available on their website. Check out the links below to keep up with their music.
Written By Hanna Kowal
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