Establishing the mood with a brief cerebral frequency, expanding into an immersive and glistening guitar soundscape, The Race open D of E with a meditative aura and the lyrics, “Waiting for this garden to grow, unchanged since I remember, waiting for these seasons to change, I’m barely hanging on, another year of holding you dear, the place where I belong…”
We immediately connect with the cinematic allure of the track and could imagine it being featured in a Sofia Coppola or Luca Guadagnino film. It manifests with poetic prowess and a high emotional quotient, and the instrumentation is sublime.
The trippy “hey” ad-libs add dynamism to the piece, tapping into unexpected notions, whilst the melodic guitar refrain and trust in God delivers a grounded energy. In essence, D of E, which serves as the second single from The Race’s forthcoming FAMILY EP, out later this year, is a reflective meditation on growing older, the changing seasons of life, and the strength of the generations that came before us.
It also poignantly connects nature with God, which we love. Through vivid imagery, particularly the metaphor of an oak tree standing firm beside a river, D of E is designed to explore resilience, loyalty, and the enduring hope that remains even as the body grows weaker with age.
We learn that the song was named after the Duke of Edinburgh Award, whilst guitarist Graeme’s eldest daughter was completing her Silver Award. The accompanying music video features band member Jess’s father, and reinforces the song’s themes by following the mountains and trails that symbolise life’s long journey.
The single marks another chapter in The Race’s long-awaited return after a 16 year hiatus. Formed in Reading in 2004, the band previously earned acclaim through BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and XFM sessions, festival appearances including Reading Festival, and praise from NME, DIY and Drowned in Sound.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added D of E to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of The Race, including, Best Is Yet To Come, and Go Figure and anticipate the release of FAMILY!