Single Review: Husky – I’m Not Coming Back
It’s been some time since we’ve heard from Melbourne folk rockers Husky. It’s been 2 years since their fab debut ‘Forever So’ on Seattle’s famed Sub Pop Records; I worry when it’s been some time since I’ve heard from a band, I always assume the worst (band break-up). So it was with some relief that hearing just last week that the Aussie group, comprised of frontman/songwriter Husky Gawenda, cousin Gideon Preiss and Evan Tweedie, have returned to us, revealing a taster from their so far untitled sophomore album.
‘I’m Not Coming Back’ is the lead single from the second outing. Despite its rather negative sounding title, tempo-wise it’s an upbeat song (handclaps at the ready, anyone?) and not anything I expected from its name. The guitar work is masterful, as are the harmonies that made fans fall in love with them on previous ‘Forever So’ tracks such as ‘The Woods’. As for its meaning, I assumed, most probably incorrectly, that the song was about a man with who split town with fury after being jilted by his lover. Maybe that exists as a subtext, but the tune is more of a farewell letter that feels scathing to the whole place: “my hometown has cursed me lately / I’m not coming back!”
However, in the bridge, there seems to be some doubt in his mind, as if his conscience is answering him: “I woke with fright, with the moon outside / Sleep won’t come (You don’t really need it) / You just can’t tell (You never can, son) / I hope I’ll breath. (Hope so too)”. Maybe, then, this running away is not just from his hometown but from the ties that bind us to our old ways, and the fear we have in ourselves when we leave the things that have become familiar. Rich is its lyrical content while also being spellbinding in the richness of its instrumentation and harmonies, if this single is anything to go by, the second LP from Husky will be a good’un indeed.
8.5/10
‘I’m Not Coming Back’, the first single from Husky‘s yet to be named second album, is out now on Sub Pop.
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