London Alternative Pop Soul Trio Magazine Gap‘s new single “For the Ride” is an impressive perspective shift from the norm. Musically, it’s rather minimalist throughout, allowing each element it’s due space. While most artists are content to max out the space, it takes songwriting discipline to showcase the lean muscle, aka drums, keys, bass, guitar and vocals. Vocalist/electric guitarist James Keen is melodic and emotive on the mic, singing lyrics about openness, transparency and communication. Drummer Brian McCook, keyboardist Alex Ho, and Tyrone Brown’s bass performances are tight and completely in service of the almighty groove, laying down a funky, Dave Matthews-esque interplay around Keen’s vocals. No frenzied breakdowns or unneeded escalations here. The band are in the pocket throughout, and thematically this is the kind of song you could dedicate to a friend or loved one. New attitudes and openness for 2020, y’all.
From the band: The song is about deepening and strengthening a relationship through transparency and honesty, with a commitment to long-term support through good times and bad.
The music video, directed by Zachary Denman, is a perfect extension of the song’s focused simplicity, leaving it to the band’s performance against a mostly sparse white backdrop. Watch below via Youtube.
Listen on Spotify below.
Read the lyrics:
Verse 1:
Come right out and say it
Whatever you’re thinking
Whatever you’re feeling
Cos I want to know what’s on your mind
And not be keeping secrets
All out in the open
You’re better to share it
You’re better to bare it
Cos I want to know what’s troubling you
And try to lift your spirits
Pre-Chorus:
So let me in, don’t shut me out
We can solve it as we go
You’re the centre of my world
And I need for you to know
Chorus:
I am here for the ride
Whatever may yet come to pass
I know our love will last
I am always on your side
The ups and downs, the twists and turns
Just stoke the fire that burns
I will never let you down
The main events, the side shows
Whichever way it goes
I will always be around
To feel your heart so close to mine
And hear it beat in time
Verse 2:
May as well be honest
However you see it
However you feel it
Cos you know that the truth will out
Then we can close the distance
I am here to listen
Whenever you need it
Whenever you want it
And to talk about it one on one
And start to see a difference
Pre-Chorus:
Cos after all is said and done
It comes down to me and you
I will give you all my love
And you know my word is true
Chorus
Middle 8:
I know it can be said
It’s a rollercoaster
They say it could be seen
On a movie poster
What’s more, it will defy
Conventional wisdom
Now they just want to know
Where can they go get some
Chorus
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
“For the Ride” is taken from Magazine Gap’s forthcoming full-length album “What’s That About?” If “For the Ride” is any indication, expect strong musicianship, ample funk and soul, and an atypical higher consciousness from this underrated UK export. Follow the band on Facebook.
