Maine's singer Michael Landgarten is back in motion with a soulful punch, and his latest single, "But I Do," is a testament to the fact that blues and classic rock are more than alive and well, zipping through the bloodstream of modern story-driven songwriting. A musician prized for his knack of fusing poignant lyricism and bare-boned musicianship, Landgarten presents a tune that is at once timeless and stubbornly here and now. Starting with a scorching guitar riff that immediately hooks you in, "But I Do" is an immersive ride through personal yet relatable emotional territory.
The richly expressive lines of Landgarten's voice carry the weight of experience without ever succumbing to melodrama, holding court over the classically inspired rock guitar tones that shimmer under every verse. It's a delicate balance, one foot locked in the traditions of blues storytelling, the other tapping the rhythms of modern rock sensibility that Landgarten pulls off with finesse. The production allows space for everything, letting the instruments breathe and the story of the song, sincere, heartfelt, reflective, and unapologetically honest, draw you in, so you can't listen in a detached way. There is an honesty here that rewards repeated listens, allowing the tapestry of the arrangement and the performance to be heard that may be lost on a single play.
"But I Do" also teases what you can expect from "Back To You," Landgarten's debut LP, which arrives on September 16th. If this single is any indication, the album itself should be an intriguing exploration of blues-inflected rock that's emotionally evocative, a recording that respects emotion as much as it does technique. Fans of the genre, along with complete newcomers, will nod their heads, tap their feet, and maybe feel a little seen. Michael Landgarten's "But I Do" is a message and a reminder that blues and the dirt of classic rock are still powerful forces in today's music. Mixing stellar musicianship with lyrical depth and genuine feeling, Landgarten's new track stands out, endures, and firmly establishes him as a rising voice to watch.
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