While
having previously released music digitally over the last decade on Bandcamp, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is the first official
single release from New Zealand’s own Steven King AKA Gearloose ahead of
an intended full album release.
Instrumentally, Tomorrow At My Fingertips is a very
simple track; upbeat but still contemplative, the song is driven by a simple
snare/hi-hat combination. At the forefront of the soundscape are the guitars,
with a clean electric guitar strumming a basic chord progression that adds to
the percussive elements of the track. Accented by a second layer of guitar that
adds an air of flair.
Approaching
the two-minute mark, the track breaks the light-hearted tone of the track
adding distortion to the rhythm guitar, while trying to balance it with the
addition of keys and what sounds like a ukulele.
This indie
pop track has an intriguing vibe, coming off like a happy love song, creating imagery
of good memories and holidays in the tropics, until the atmosphere is disrupted
by the distorted breakdown. This does mirror the lyrical content which talks
about a relationship ending and the unease that follows.
From a
vocal standpoint, Steve King’s melodies hit the right notes but lacks
confidence. While it fits with the uncertain, anxious theme of the track (and follows the light strumming style of the rhythm guitar), it
means Tomorrow At My Fingertips does
lack the emotion required to really hook the listener in.
Tomorrow At My Fingertips is a safe debut single. It has nothing that would turn away listeners, but at the same time it needs some more passion injected into it to feel authentic; with greater clarity and strength needed from the vocals.
Review written by Alex Moulton
Gearloose is a one-man indie-pop band from Christchurch.