Track of the Day: Sam Clifford – Forever (2024)
I always admire buskers when I stop and listen to their music. To pick up your instrument and lay your music bare for the world to see must be both terrifying and incredibly exciting. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Clifford began writing original songs as a teenager and became a familiar face on Graften Street in Dublin. He immersed himself in the busking community and many enjoyed his performances, including Keith Urban – yes, that Keith Urban. In 2019, Clifford was invited to support Urban on his Irish tour, and the rest is history.
Following his well-received single ‘Lost In A City’, ‘Forever’ is Clifford’s new single sauntering through various genres all in a few minutes. From indie-rock to alternative rock, Britpop and even a hint of folk peeking from the back, Clifford pushes the boundaries of indie-rock to comfortable limits.
Produced and recorded with Daniel de Burca at jujune recording studios, its concoction of crashing drums, bold bass and soaring guitar hits you between the eyes with kaleidoscopic insanity; yet there is a warm embrace reaching out with its sonic tendrils. Interestingly, while ‘Forever’ has a strong modern-day rock vibe, a scorching guitar solo jumps from the mid-section adding vintage rock and roll to the contemporary track.
The melody itself has a soothing, confident and bold tone, but it is the theme and overall lyricism with Clifford’s rich vocals that adds depth. Touching on the “forever days”, ‘Forever’ creatively expresses the desire to plan for the future with a partner – “the song expresses the love that one may have for their significant other and the positive effect they have had on their life overall. It also discusses overwhelming emotions that come with being in love…and how amazing it could be that you could spend the rest of your life with that person…”
Find out more about Sam Clifford on his X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
Discover more indie-rock music on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
