Drawing us in with a cerebral frequency and immersive guitar soundscape with textured drums, Russ Nelson opens 5 AM with atmospheric vocals as he shares his pain with the prose, “Speak to me, why do you never speak to me, look at me, you never really looked at me…”
The opus expands with intentional energy and authenticity as Russ Nelson takes us on an introspective journey that is relatable to many of us. 5 AM showcases exquisite production with instrumental mastery and poetic prowess from the talented creator, as he brings to life his wisdom and lived experience.
We learn that the rising star from Butte, Montana was also inspired by “the timeless poetry of T.S. Eliot and the hard-earned lessons of a young adult” to create the track, which he confesses explores “themes of existentialism, self-discovery, and the raw beauty of introspection.”
Drawing inspiration specifically from T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Hollow Men,’ 5 AM is designed to intricately meld the poet’s insights with the artist’s intimate reflections. The composition encourages us to immerse ourselves in a cathartic exploration, navigating the complexities of human existence, and embracing moments of self-realization and enlightenment.
Russ Nelson cites The Replacements, Goo Goo Dolls, Fuel, Nirvana, and The Pixies as some of his sonic inspirations, which we can feel come through in his 90s adjacent, grunge meets alternative rock vibe, but there is no doubt that Russ is manifesting a universe of his own.
We are in awe of Russ’s vocal timbre, and the high emotional quotient of his delivery, harmonies and the dynamic nature of the piece. The middle eight is a meditative moment which taps into a serene, yet magnetic sentiment, tugging on our heartstrings before the final reprise.
5 AM has been added to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream Russ Nelson‘s wider discography, including his debut single, The Villain, and his sophomore release, Crap of the World.