Before we formally begin the review, I have a bit of a confession. I checked my spam-filled inbox today, and saw a track submitted to Independent Music News called Green Room by the immensely talented Henry Jamison, with the name Ed Droste of Grizzly Bear attached to it. The Grizzly Bear? Oh my. I get excited and wave my arms about, screaming like a fan of Harry Styles after he tears his shirt off, exposing his glistening abs to the world. Ahem, sorry about that – I’ll take a moment to garner some self-respect and get composed.
I’m sure Henry Jamison will forgive me; Ed Droste is, by his own words, a long-time hero of Henry’s, so I think he will spare me a moment to be an embarrassing fanboy. Green Room is an incredibly tranquil and meditative tune. If I’d not known of Ed’s involvement, it would have been an easy comparison to reference Grizzly Bear as inspiration for him. The song evokes a feeling of floating through a colourful and picturesque space, like wandering through a Vincent van Gogh painting, but hopefully with both ears still on your head.
The lyrics are transfixing, with Henry Jamison delivering a marvellous track that elates the soul and grants you a few minutes to reflect. Controversial side note; the lyrics mention Spirited Away; a popular film that many point to as one of the best pieces of art anime has ever produced. I thought that film was crap, and I hate it. Thankfully, this doesn’t hinder my enjoyment of Green Room, but seeing as I’m an incredibly bitter man, I had to get that out there.
It’s a track that’ll tell you to lie down on the settee and rub your head gently. Tell Henry what’s on your mind. Complain about how you still want to be breastfed at thirty-five, or dive into the time you got an erection in a meeting with your considerably older boss. Green Room is a safe space; a dome of confidentiality, privacy and freedom. It’s beautiful.
I enjoyed replaying this song over and over, and I know you will too. Green Room by Henry Jamison (featuring Ed Droste of bloody Grizzly Bear) is out now. Give it a listen, love you.