It is always fascinating to listen to the way different artists mix genres and Surahn has one of the most interesting mixes in his latest single ‘On The Move’. The song is a clever mix of soft rock, disco and jazz funk with vocals that manage to fit with every different genre put into the song. While keeping an interesting mix of genres in the song, it still manages to clearly play an ode to bands such as Fleetwood Mac.
The instrumental is a perfect example of the mix of genres with a soft but funky guitar playing, the bass keeping a simple rhythm but played in a stronger way than it would be in most music and drums that sound reminiscent of early disco with a beat that makes you want to at least tap your foot. As well as the first, softer rhythm guitar there is also a guitar that begins around the chorus that plays some fingering that reminds me of the guitar in both blues and country music.
However, I think the electronic, disco based instruments Surahn uses are some of the more interesting. The synths and keyboards that get added throughout the song add more layers to the texture, but in a way where they are adding more to the overall rhythmic structure of the song instead of playing the same thing over and over. It helps make the song more interesting to your ear and every time you do listen to you can notice something different.
What I have yet to mention about the song is the meaning behind it, which is what makes the single so enticing to listen to. When discussing the track Suhran has said “‘On The Move’ is a dreamy commentary on shifting through the seasons and working with whatever life throws your way. It’s a short ride aboard the train, puffing with nostalgia, taking you through the emotions of longing to see the most treasured people in your life. The chugging guitars encourage you to stare out the window of life. Taking a breath, you draw your attention to the setting sun.”. A lot of this does come through in the song, for example the electronic instruments help it feel dreamy and the single’s musical link to Fleetwood Mac gives it a nostalgic vibe.
Surahn had an incredibly specific vision for this single and having it actually come through is an impressive feat of songwriting, as is the whole song, and I am excited to hear whether the rest of his upcoming LP ‘Soft Rock Summer’ will be as elaborately and carefully written as ‘On The Move’.