SINGLE REVIEW: SORREL NATION - RAN JONNY RAN

The opening salvo in the campaign for Sorrel' Nations new album starts with the debut single "Ran Jonny Ran". Described by Sorrel as “A deeply personal song musing on the story of a loved one desperately searching for something and looking in all the wrong places. The song reflects on personal grief experienced as a result of this longing and misplaced loyalty”

In these times where everything is fast and in your face, this single all but meanders through its four minutes but is worth every single second as it gradually reveals itself

Don't be fooled into thinking that slow means dull, for within seconds of the guitar and mandolin opening, Sorrel has thrust us into such a drama that you are compelled to listen to just to find out what on earth is going on.

"Feels like you died that night

Feels like you are gone from my life

If you think that you're wrong and I'm right

Well you wouldn't be wrong

Feels like when nothing no good

Nobody to long for

For reason of gender or rules

How will I mend a broken heart"

By then, there is also a cello in the overall mix, it is a gentle warm sound, over which Sorrel is laying the most soothing of vocals.

The chorus adds in a number of additional backing vocals, think more the Jordanaire's backing Elvis than electronically created multi tracking, especially when they repeat the final line.

"Wonder if you're a new man

Did you fix all your problems too?

Well I doubt that you thought it through

When you ran Johnny ran"

There's an instrumental break with a fiddle solo that keeps the general sombre mood going.

As we emerge from the break, a lot of the musical backing has dropped and Sorrel's voice has risen somewhat, now solely the centre of attention, as she seems to hover over each word, stretching the duration of each.

"Feels like I cried all night

Feels like you took your life

Now there's a rage in me that shines so bright

Cos you Ran Jonny Ran"

Sorrel takes that final "Ran" as a massively extended note as the backing singers once more return

Quite how this single will fare in a world looking for an immediate reveal in thirty seconds we've no idea, however for those who have the time to relax, consider and savour what they listen to then "Ran Jonny Ran" will deliver on all levels.

Ran Jonny Ran is available from 17th July Presave Link https://ditto.fm/ran-jonny-ran

Sorrel Nation's second album "Creeping Thyme" is due for release on 23rd October