“SHRINKING VIOLETS” is a track by “Rennie Ozzimo” that you really need to hear right now. The reasons are pretty simple; the song sets itself up for success, in my opinion. Not only does the introduction have this crisp, up close and personal presentation about it – the guitar riff, the space, the leading voice, the story-line – but in addition, the soundscape that follows continues to build itself up and break itself down in keeping with the changing emotions of the song’s lyrics. It’s a subtle but sure-fire roller-coaster through ideas and audio bliss.
‘Shrinking Violets’ is a jaunty and rocking, though heartfelt trip into the mind of Rennie Ozzimo’s Portland based writer Geoff Byrd. His music is predominantly full of melodic hooks and fuses mellow pop and rock influenced tunes. This piece may seem a touch darker than the rest of the tracks on the album but the premise of the song is quite the opposite.
You really need to let this play through decent speakers or headphones to get the full effect, and at a reasonably high volume. The details are complex and specific to the sound, though it’s the unity between them that makes this feel so infectiously rhythmic and energizing. The beat is the first thing to grab you. I think more commonly with today’s pop or rock it’s the synths or the melody or the sampled vocal that stands out the most, so much so that we forget the power of a mighty beat.
The honesty of the track is endearing, and this, combined with the simplicity of the melody and the vocal, makes for a really relatable and likable song. Towards the end the verses really step forward and surround you, the crash of the instruments and the combined effort of the instruments fuse beautifully with this, it makes for a really climactic finishing third – one that then breaks away for a very soft and honest ending.
The melody throughout is memorable and effective, getting caught in your mind, wrapping itself around you, and becoming instantly nostalgic in a way. It very quickly feels familiar, but only in that it’s so well written and structured – everything happens just as it needs to. The soundscape is simple and adds to the overall captivating sound of the song. The slightly electronic touch within the music is subtle but effective – it creates a great vibe that you can really get lost in, and yet, at the same time, it maintains its chilled atmosphere.
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