Indie rock icon Conan Gray has jumped back on the scene with his first single, “This Song,” off his upcoming album Wishbone, which will be released in August of this year.
Sonically, the track is in stark contrast to the high-energy 80s synth/dream-pop sound of his most recent album, Found Heaven. It is a return to the more reserved and alternative indie vibes of fan-favorite album, Kid Krow, with an added element of maturity and growth within every aspect.
Lyrically, at its core, it’s a love song. Before this, Conan was mainly known for songs that described his struggles on his journey to find love and the fear that he possibly never will. The track is sweet, dreamy, and genuine with lyrics describing relatable anecdotes of small yet meaningful gestures of love such as “Your brown racer jacket / my hands through the sleeves” and “We’re sat in my bedroom / and I hear your heart like a train on the tracks.”
The notes of love and longing expressed within the song are juxtaposed with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. This creates a unique blend of emotions that resonates with many, as Conan is no stranger to expressive and intimate lyrics throughout his many projects.
The music video, released in conjunction with the track, fits right at home in a young adult coming-of-age movie. With cinematic camerawork and a nostalgic color palette. It depicts an earnest and beautiful queer love story following two boys, Wilson and Brando, as they spend their summer together, slowly falling in love.
Overall, the song and the world it creates in tandem with the music video are absolutely delightful, leaving Coneheads (the self-given name of fans of Conan) elated and anxious for more!
He recently announced his Wishbone Pajama Show, which will be touring North America in the fall, so be sure to go and see him! Tickets can be found here.
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