Geoff Gibbons proves to be a troubadour of wisdom and compassion, offering a sense of identity and hope with new single Keep on Driving.
In these troubled times, it’s important that there are the arts that we can relate to and draw strength from, whether it be music, cinema, performances or anything in between. Vancouver-based Geoff Gibbons’ new folk-laden track Keep on Driving may draw on personal experiences, but the mindset within is something we can all relate to, focussing on a need to keep going and think positively.
Warm guitar opens Keep on Driving with subtle, overlaid slides and a steady drumbeat creating the opening atmosphere. Gibbon’s vocals then join in with lyrics of an apathetic and tired nature, bored with the world and needing something new, something that many of us can draw from: “I’m tired of the grind, I’m sick of the race, I got to change these avenues, I’ve got to find me some space”.
As the track strolls onwards we get to an energetic chorus that feels warmer and benefits from a sense of freedom, showing the singer escaping from the sense of drudgery and restrictiveness in the verses. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel we all need and it focuses on these feelings well. It doesn’t last long and we’re back to the settled verses again, perhaps a commentary on the fleeting moments of freedom we should grab with both hands.
The drums are what make the track really stand out, not the usual beat driven style you’d find in folk or country music, but with a more pop vibe about them, especially in the verses. This suits the vocals very well with Gibbons able to take the more empty spaces in the music and bend them around his docile tones that show off his humility and compassion. Perhaps at times the chorus could do with a little more originality to make it stand out, but the vigour of the chorus is just about enough to create the feelings of freedom that are needed.
In these times of uncertainty, it’s nice to have tracks like Keep On Driving to remind us that we can come through the other end and feel empowered. The track shows that struggles can be overcome if we are strong with a narrative that many will be able to relate to.
Score: 3/5
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