Mike and Mandy – Ash Rain (2021)
Mike and Mandy dip into metaphors to bring the difference between what you need and what you get to life in ‘Ash Rain’. With layers of meaning, the single considers how we ask for compassion and understanding only to be met with coldness and ash. Inspired by the literal ash that rained down on their neighbourhood when the West Coast of the US was on fire, the single considers how often we get ash when we need water.
The heavier rock sound of the single is fairly different to the folktronica and pop of their single ‘Are You Now’. However, they both weave a textured vibe that is completely captivating. Through the flows of the music, you get lost in the layers of sound while thinking about the lyrics.
‘Ash Rain’ pulls you into the melody with a light piano line before the guitars vibrate over it. The guitars then pulse against you for a gritty rock tone. There is a touch of classic rock woven into a more modern alternative rock soundscape. The piano line delicately touches your ears like the soft drift of ash falling from the sky. The chorus has a punchy feeling to it that makes your insides shiver with the power of the single. The dips on the verses have an almost contemplative feeling that wonderfully lead to the call-out on the chorus.
Mandy’s vocals are as gritty as the melody as she growls out over the music. Her performance opens with a callout that is really catchy and makes you want to sing along. On the verses, when the music dips, her vocals take on a more conversational feeling. She effortlessly paints the scene of someone meeting your need for something good with something bad. Later in the single, her voice gains a tender feeling that is infused with an ominous vibe.
The music video for the single opens with a touching image of a tree that matches the light piano line. This gives way to a slight hazy visual where Mandy sings out into the world. You also see Mike playing the guitar at times which is a great break in the visuals. The visual is relatively simple but has an amazing drawing power that enhances the hit from the vocals.
Mike and Mandy are calling out people who meet calls for comfort with coldness in the gritty flows of ‘Ash Rain’. Mandy’s vocals call out over the pulsing rock guitar Mike provides while hitting you with metaphorical lyrics. The accompanying music video uses a simple visual to drive the message of the single home.
Find out more about Mike and Mandy on their website, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
