In the week that the next batch of artists playing The Long Road festival was released, there's a new single from someone who made the festival so much fun last year for #TEAMw21 and that is Avery Anna. Her latest song "Two Sides Of The Story" is packed with drama before a note is even played, the cover pic has a picture of Avery looking perturbed, hurt, confused maybe, with a somewhat wary look in her eye.
As things commence with a slow piano and guitar intro there is a quality of songwriting on display that is both pragmatic and extremely mature in outlook - as break up songs go this is most considered and our appreciation of Avery grows ever stronger.
The first verse is an analysis of what happens not just on this break up but on nearly every one - realising that regardless that each may have their own reasons for wanting to part ways. each will also have their version of events to spin to friends an family. Avery is already able to see how her alternate version is going to be explained away with her being portrayed as neurotic.
"There's always two sides of the story, you've got yours and I've got mine
I tell my friends you lie, you tell yours I lost my mind
There's always two sides of the story and they'll make their way around
Pick your side and stand your ground
And both will be the talk of town"
There's a neat touch in the production, with Avery providing her own backing vocals, accentuating certain elements
The chorus sees more of that mature outlook - regardless of which version is right, the end result is the same. The sound is punctured by the sound of a wailing guitar that adds to the overall sadness of what has occurred. The melody that accompanies the third line is also top drawer.
"One day it's true that I'm still here and you're still gone
And it doesn't matter who was right and who was wrong
Or who's to blame for everything, it wouldn't change anything
There's always two sides of the story, but ours both end the same"
The second verse maintains the view of the sad reality - there are rarely any winners at the time but we all live to love another day. Avery does manage to get a few farewell jibes in though, to suggest her story is the correct one. The overall sound builds up with the arrival of the percussion providing a strong back beat.
"It's always your word against my word, either way, it lеaves a bruise
If you were in my shoes, you'd see a different side of you
These pages keep turning
There's chapters and versions
I want a happy ending
But with you, there isn't"
Another songwriting / production trick sees the "one" that could easily tag on to that last line playing a dual purpose role. in that it is also the "One" that opens the chorus - seamlessly joining the two together.
The bridge perhaps provides the most telling analysis of how things will unfold, and it comes as Avery's vocals explode into life and the backing becomes loudest.
"In both, I walk away and you don't change
There's nothing left for us to say"
Everything then calms down for her final take on the chorus which sees Avery give her most reflective vocal of the whole song.
An undoubted star in the making.