Native Son

You’d be forgiven for thinking Native Son’s latest offering, 'Dead Man Walking', was going to be a pretty dour affair, going on the title alone. But appearances can be deceptive. From its upbeat opening, this latest single from the Long Island Alternative rRock four-piece quickly proves to be anything but.

Released on Friday 28th August, 'Dead Man Walking' is the title track from Native Son’s forthcoming album, telling the story of a man who has walked away from a failed relationship and is searching for something to reinvigorate his life. There’s certainly a forlorn quality to the lyrics, but musically the track keeps moving forward, gradually building towards an impressive crescendo.

Piano breaks punctuate the arrangement before the soaring vocals take centre stage, and then comes the guitar solo. And what a solo it is. Gorgeous, melodic and dripping with feeling, it has more than a hint of latter-day John Squire of The Stone Roses about it.

There’s also a strong case for buying the single for the artwork alone. Taking inspiration from Gustave Moreau’s Hesiod and the Muse, it’s a striking piece of work that perfectly complements the song’s sense of searching and reinvention.

'Dead Man Walking' might have a miserable-sounding title, but Native Son have delivered anything but a miserable song. Instead, it’s a beautifully crafted slice of Alternative Rock that builds patiently before delivering its rewards.

Ivan De Mello