The most topical song title of 2020 goes to singer-songwriter Lucy Gaffney with her debut single, Can’t Escape. Not because of the coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic. No, I’ve lost my keys and can’t leave the house to collect essential items or purchase food. I’m surviving off my first hoard of baked beans and tomato soup. I added paprika and peri-peri salt to vegetable stock yesterday. Now I’m contemplating opening a restaurant. A menu full of weird concoctions. Rice and BBQ seasoning, sir? I’d recommend the spaghetti hoops from a tin with crackers. Delicious.
Gaffney can play Can’t Escape on the opening night. Yes! I can see it now. A stage sponsored by Pot Noodle, a DJ who works for Heinz as a janitor, and all the waiters and waitresses wear fancy dress, possibly as different condiments. Why is Sandra dressed as a tub of gravy? No idea, Tom. Right, that’s enough. Let’s get on with the review.
If you enjoy dream-pop and torturous lyrics, you’ve hit the jackpot with Can’t Escape. You’ll remember every terrible first date, relationships that ended in remorse, and agonise over unfortunate life choices. On the other hand, this song will nestle in your brain, and when you fall asleep, all those mistaken adventures will turn into unapologetic fistfights in a fantasy boxing ring. Knock out punch by Gaffney.
What I like most about Can’t Escape is the vocal harmonies; they flutter between conceptual art and love vigorously. You can feel the yearning, the craving for better experiences. Many individuals have endured the same thoughts; it’s just Gaffney acknowledges them with a jab, cross, hook, and uppercut of a song.
I want to thank Gaffney for sharing such a personal and upsetting story. Can’t Escape is a vital piece of music for the heartbroken and scared. Don’t worry; everything’s going to be ok. Play the single on Independent Music News now, and add it to your melancholy music playlist ASAP. Kiss.