Blake Red creates a slow and settled build up against a big and brash chorus on single, Follow Me.
Known for her heavy, alt-rock music, Blake Red actually takes time to develop a softer side on the single, Follow Me. But this doesn’t mean the track doesn’t hit hard when needed. Managing to create a cutthroat distinction between the bold and the stripped-back, Blake is showing off two sides to her personality, here.
Beginning with settled, rhythmic guitar against a crawling drumbeat, Blake Red’s vocals enter the fray, stripped back and emotional but feeling like they could explode at any minute. The lyrics straight away set out the tone of the track as Blake seems downbeat and emotionally in a hard place: “I dreamt of taking you away, I wish my mind would just obey, but my life is full of gray”.
It’s not long before that predicted explosion of energy happens as guitars suddenly hit hard when the chorus drops and Blake Red’s vocals become more powerful with a full-on attack of confidence and grace. It’s almost a surprise when everything is thrown at you before tailoring back down again as it returns to the verses. It’s a well-worn trick but one that works well.
With hints of 90s PJ Harvey littered throughout, the track builds on a short, dreamy section later on before once again pushing everything up to 11 and even throwing in a guitar solo for good measure. It’s apparent that Blake Red has a lot to get off her chest throughout the track, and you can imagine she feels revitalised after it finishes. Ending in a powerful way with just Blake’s subtle vocals before cutting out completely, this encapsulates the power and beauty of a rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Follow Me is an emotional power ballad that hits hard when needed. It portrays all the softness and aggression that confusion and hard situations can bring, with Blake Red controlling it all with a switch of vocal style.
Score: 3.5/5
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