Houston in the Blind, helmed by the ever-evolving Charlie Garrett, emerges from a period of introspection with a hauntingly beautiful single, “On a Wire.” The track is the result of the emotional turmoil of facing an overwhelming series of changes that included moving to a new city and changing the original lineup of his band. The song also serves as a captivating introduction to their upcoming album, Hide the Glow.
No matter if you are a fan or you are new to the sound of Houston in the Blind, the sound of “On a Wire” will captivate you for sure. While the song still boasts distorted guitars, they create a more subtle textural element, weaving in and out. This sonic landscape allows Garrett’s raw and vulnerable vocals to take center stage, as he narrates a tale of heartbreak and self-doubt in the middle of the struggle and confusion with newfound honesty.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soul on a tightrope, captured perfectly in the repeated refrain, “My heart’s on a wire / Razor cuts out desire.” This stark imagery captures the precariousness of emotional stability, the struggle to connect, and the ever-present threat of self-inflicted harm. A sense of desperate longing permeates the track, punctuated by moments of self-recrimination. “So many mistakes I probably made” Garrett sings, his voice tinged with a melancholic beauty.
The vulnerability is further amplified by the delicate guitar work, which shimmers and fades like a half-remembered dream. However, this intimacy doesn’t negate the band’s signature sound entirely. Moments of shoegaze intensity erupt throughout the song, adding a layer of emotional complexity and reminding listeners of Houston in the Blind‘s sonic roots.
The emotional depth of “On a Wire” reaches new heights with the addition of Bedouine’s ethereal vocals. Her presence adds another layer of texture to the song, creating a beautiful counterpoint to Garrett’s vulnerability. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a soul grappling with personal demons in the aftermath of profound change.
“On a Wire” serves as more than just a captivating single; it’s a potent glimpse into the thematic landscape of “Hide the Glow”, an album that works as a deeply personal exploration of overcoming adversity.
If “On a Wire” is a representative sample of what’s to come, Hide the Glow promises to be a powerful and unflinching examination of the human condition. This single showcases Garrett’s artistic evolution, his willingness to embrace vulnerability, and his skill in transforming personal struggle into compelling art. Prepare to be swept away by a sonic journey that is both beautiful and brutally honest, a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music.
