Bobby Rethwish - "THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN MEANING" | Sunday Singles

 

(Cover art by Keegan Burckhard)

At its best, Bobby Rethwish's music transports you to a technicolor dimension outside of time, taking in bits and pieces of a multitude of sounds and eras. His second single in two months, "THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN MEANING," does just that.

In just around two minutes, Rethwish crams in a generation's worth of ideas. Chipmunk soul samples are thrown in alongside hypnagogic synths and 80s drum machines. In a testament to the strength of the songwriting and production, you could show "THERE'S MORE TO LIFE" to people from at least four decades and it would be guaranteed to get them dancing (or at least bopping their heads). Nostalgia is used to push the song's sound forward rather than as a crutch.

Just like "MOONFACE," Rethwish is speaking directly to an unknown individual. His voice (even with all the effects) is that of a friend, disarming with its humor and genuine in its desire for their improvement. The titular refrain, sang reassuringly, offers hope instead of a eye-rolling reprimand.

Musically and lyrically, Rethwish sits right in the middle of several cross-sections. He gleefully draws from their confluence and never gets overwhelmed. Listen to and/or buy 'THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN MEANING" below.