In La Need Machine’s latest offering, The Mountain, the band ascends to new heights of musical and lyrical complexity, blending their signature elements of Americana, Indie Rock, Folk Rock, and Alternative Country.
We previously featured La Need Machine for their captivating tracks I Wish I Could Fly and These Old Jeans, which already hinted at the band’s profound ability to intertwine simple melodies with deep, introspective messages.
The Mountain, however, stands out as a bold statement, a sonic journey that not only pleases the ear but also challenges the mind. The driving beat and ethereal harmonies are not just the backdrop but the very pulse of the song’s philosophical exploration of giving and receiving, a timeless message that resonates deeply in our increasingly divided world.
The first verse of The Mountain introduces us to a duality that is as old as humanity itself: the pursuit of art and love. These are the activities that give life meaning, and when shared with others, they can withstand any storm. The band suggests that it is not merely the creation of art or the experience of love that matters but the act of doing so together. This togetherness is portrayed as a force that can transcend adversity, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. Here, La Need Machine subtly implies that the true value of life lies not in material wealth or status but in the shared experiences that connect us to others.
In the chorus, the song’s central message emerges with clarity and power: “It’s not what you take… it’s what you got to give.” This line distills a philosophy that has been espoused by sages and spiritual leaders throughout history – true fulfilment comes from giving rather than receiving. The imagery of climbing mountains, swimming seas, and walking across the land alludes to the arduous journey of selflessness. It’s a journey that demands effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to give without expecting anything in return. This chorus serves as both a personal mantra and a universal call to action, reminding us that the essence of a meaningful life lies in our contributions to the world around us.
The second verse deepens this message by reflecting on the universal human desires for wealth and power, represented by the poor man wanting to be rich and the little girl wanting to be a queen. Yet, the band reassures us that these desires are secondary to the bonds we share with others. When we are together, we can transcend our limitations, and in doing so, we elevate one another. This verse echoes the chorus’s theme by suggesting that the true riches of life are found not in material possessions but in the relationships and experiences that help us grow as individuals and communities.
As the song reaches its bridge and final chorus, the narrative takes a turn toward a more personal anecdote, grounding the lofty themes in everyday life. The seemingly trivial interaction outside a bar, where a joke falls flat, serves as a reminder that even in the smallest moments, there is an opportunity to give—whether it’s honesty, a smile, or a simple acknowledgment.
The repetition of the chorus in the outro drives home the message with a relentless urgency, leaving the listener with the sense that the mountain we must all climb is not a physical one but a moral and emotional journey toward generosity, empathy, and love. In The Mountain, La Need Machine has crafted a song that is not only a pleasure to listen to but also a powerful reminder of what it means to live a truly meaningful life.
We love what La Need Machine are manifesting, and have added The Mountain to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of the talented creators!