Gamekeeper’s debut single “Run” is an upbeat, indie-folk song all about the apprehension that can bubble up in relationships, romantic or not, when we aren’t aware of our own fears beforehand. It’s that lingering feeling in your chest that this track describes, an uneasiness that permeates through the connections we have with other people. No matter the form that this anxiety takes– pushing, pulling, fighting, or closing up– it can end up being a major problem in any kind of relationship. Decorated in echoing, rich vocals, a bright guitar, and honest lyricism, “Run” hones in on the relationship problems that sometimes get swept under the rug, but always return until we finally deal with them. A brilliantly written and composed debut track for Gamekeeper, "Run" is a must-listen for any fans of indie-folk.
If, like me, you love folksy music with a melancholic twang, you are going to adore “Run”. On that first listen, you are immediately surrounded by Gamekeeper’s soft vocals as the instrumentals remain fairly understated in this beautiful intro. Everything is mellow, like the calm before a storm, until you get to the 0:18 mark when the energy begins to grow and increase. The soundscape fills every corner of “Run”, a full-bodied track with both vocals and instrumentals that have a delightful interplay throughout the runtime. While the instrumentals are fairly cheery, Gamekeeper’s vocals are slightly slower and dulcet-toned– so, although the two are similar, they are different enough from one another to balance the soundscape with both fast and slow elements that create a dynamic track with many moving parts. And when you consider all of this with the songwriting, you get this amazing song that discusses the tension between fear and distress in relationships. A line I especially loved was, “Since we got too good at sayin’ nothing / Kickin’ worry just beyond our reach”. Much of the song deals with these types of emotions, of ignoring problems to the point where you become very skilled at doing so, and the want to run away. I enjoyed the depth of complexity that "Run" handled, an honest representation of what it means to have to face these feelings. The soundscape enhanced the songwriting tenfold, leaving listeners with a track that speaks volumes in every single one of its facets.
Gamekeeper, AKA Warren Frank, is a singer-songwriter from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. He was the lead singer in the indie-rock outfits The Kents and Heaps, which have both been heard all across Canada on national radio. In this new solo project, Frank seeks to allow his voice and lyricism to take the spotlight. With sounds similar to Noah Kahan, Field Guide, and Tim Baker, Frank’s music is rich in indie-folk tones. He is currently on a tour in Ontario with the Good Buds Tour with Nick Faye and Cassie Noble, and you can find tickets available here. “Run” is Frank’s debut single, and those that enjoyed it should absolutely drop him a follow as this project is just beginning! And, if you’re in the area, consider picking up a ticket to the Good Buds Tour to see and hear him live!
Written By Alexa Leung
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