So as we slip through into the latter part of November I am starting to recoil from shops that are already playing Christmas music. I’m a practising Christian, I love Christmas as a season but feel it has no place until December 1st. But there it is playing in the local Supermarkets and I needed an antidote!
For my antidote I chose the new single from Wood Burnt Red called “Simple Place” that was released on November 7.
Let me share the press release with you, then I will review it.
UK based four-piece country band Wood Burnt Red have announced the details of their stunning new single “Simple Place” which is a powerful reminder that as a society we are slipping and losing sight of what really matters; humans helping one another and loving thy neighbour.
The track features striking lyrics such as “what happened to it takes a village // the system is broken // nothing but violence // how are we supposed to raise our kids” It is a stark reminder of the darkness we are currently seeing around us but also serves as a gentle wake-up that we can build those soft places to land within our own communities and create loving atmospheres where we are planted.
It is a bold lyrical take and offers something completely fresh from Wood Burnt Red who have shown that they are not afraid to speak about the hard truths and harsh realities. They aren’t shying away from current world affairs and are instead boldly standing up for love and light. Country music is all about truth, and the Brit band are proving that this has not been lost.
Speaking about the song, Wood Burnt Red says:
“We don’t believe the meaning behind this song needs explaining, but we do believe it’s a song a lot of people need right now. We are extremely, and we mean EXTREMELY, proud of this song, as it’s something we poured every ounce of blood sweat and tears into and is something a bit different from the rest of our back catalogue. We would also like to give a very special mention to Tyler Spicer who was a huge part of the journey we took with this track. He really took it to new heights and gave us a track that instantly makes you create your own visuals too. We can’t wait to hear what you all think of this”
My review:
“Simple Place” – This is the first time I have heard this band and I have found an uplifting hard edged country folk sound, a critique of the current situation in the world and the concerns we have as parents for the world we are bringing our children into. It is a slow, contemplative song with a strong under-beat and a haunting musical mid-section that carries you along.
“Day Drinking” – I had to find out if “Simple Place” was typical of their music so I had a listen to “Day Drinking” as well, an earlier release that blends a bit more of that Southern sound into the feel. The song has plenty of summer festival feel, a free flowing drinking song, it just celebrates a day out with the boys (and girls!) and invites the crowd to join. It has a fun video too (below) that works well to chase away those November dark night blues.
With “Simple Place,” Wood Burnt Red plant a flag. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and beautifully brave, a reminder that country music still has room for grit, grace, and a touch of angst. Wood Burnt Red have my attention—now let them have yours.
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You can stream music from Wood Burnt Red here
Writers: Wood Burnt Red
Producer: Tyler Spicer
Mix Engineer: Todd Peterson
Mastering: Sam Moses
By Lorraine Foley