MCRAE - 'PLANETVPLANET'
Having made it through the past two years of lockdowns and uncertainty, MCRAE are ready to showcase their newfound sense of optimism with their newly released single ‘planetvplanet’.
Where MCRAE’s previous single ‘How To Start A Fire’ heavily featured cynicism, their new single flips the narrative, highlighting an acceptance, and the realisation that positivity can exist within a dark place. Making a home for themselves in indie-pop territories, MCRAE juxtapose bright synths with cathartic lyrics, representing not only their own personal struggles throughout the past two years, but also the universal obstacles we’ve all faced in these times. This is a single made for the many, not only in concept and relatability, but also sonically, in sound and style.
Comprised of three and a half minutes, ‘planetvplanet’ was built on the band’s personal experiences with mental health, and the advice gifted to the band throughout life and lockdowns, the chorus quoting such advice. Frontman and lyricist Jake McRae says that “the lyrics came easily to me”, the final line being, “it’s not your fault it’s just the way the world is today”, some supportive words they received as they were left no choice but to postpone yet another gig.
Dubbed as “our mental health ballad” by frontman Jake McRae, ‘planetvplanet’ is reminiscent to the simple, but effective characteristics of pop-punk, with a softer, more indie inspired vibe. Underpinned by a solid rhythm on bass and synths, MCRAE’s newest creation cultivates a sense of feel-good nostalgia, which paired with the optimistic lyrics, makes for a single which can only be described as a sonic release.
Words by Caira Guy
