String Bone – Why Should I Try (2022)
With a gothic mix of folk and country, String Bone told the story of a mysterious character on the edge of breaking in ‘Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day’ before moving to the fusion tones of ‘Wow! Oh Yeah!’. He is now returning to darker tones in the alt-country ‘Why Should I Try’. Digging into the battle of ethics and confronting betrayal, the single sees the main character asking why he should care after being betrayed again and again.
Inspired by the Netflix series ‘Lucifer’, the alt-country, folk and Americana tones of the single contrast the words people say with their actions. The third single from String Bone’s album Coping Mechanisms, it offers a touch of insight into what the rest of the album might be like. Drawing on his years of performing experience, Barry James Payne brings a dash of angst to a relatable storyline.
‘Why Should I Try’ hits you with an epic guitar line from the first moment. This guitar line has a darkness to it that sweeps through your chest. There is a classic blues feeling to the melody that twines with the twang of alt-country and dark folk. The sweeping tones of the melody gain a light dusting of rock as they soar on dark storm clouds that roll with the taste of electricity. It is an undeniably powerful melody that you can’t help but give in to. While the music has something uniquely String Bone, there is a faint hint of something familiar which enhances the relatability of the lyrics. There is no way that you can listen to this melody and not feel the urge to close your eyes and soak up the darkness and angst.
The dark alt-country and blues vibes of the melody are picked up by the vocals that enter with a velveteen slide. Payne’s performance tugs at your heartstrings as he draws you into the thoughts of the lyrics. There is a stab of betrayal followed by the question of why the main character should continue trying if they only get pain in return. The rich backing vocals add to the darkness of the track after the chorus. His performance is addictive and makes you want to shout out with him on the chorus while the storm of the melody rolls around you. His voice also picks up some of that stormy electricity adding a hint of ozone to his performance.
String Bone sweeps you into a dark alt-country soundscape that tastes of stormy electricity and ozone while betrayal stabs at your chest in ‘Why Should I Try’. The melody brings the electricity of a storm and the heavy scent of rain. Payne’s vocals slide with dark thoughts and questions getting you instantly addicted to his sound.
Find out more about String Bone on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
