Final Words

Chintzy Stetson

Single Review

In descent years I have noticed a rise of inter generational differences. I won’t list them all here, as we know who we are talking about. From a generation who believe hard work deserves big reward to a generation carried on an explosive shockwave of technological advancement, each group is headstrong and believes that they know best. Sadly this has resulted in a rise of friction between the generations and a habit to antagonise the differences rather than celebrate the similarities. Now, you’re probably asking yourself ‘Why is he venting about this here, I thought it was a song review?’ Well, this generational crossroads has seemingly been observed by Newcastle singer/songwriter Chintzy Stetson and seems, for me at least, to be the bedrock of his latest single Final Words. Let me explain….

With this context in mind Chintzy has not only attacked the subject matter with is signature quirk and uniqueness but he has gone as far as to use the music itself to reinforce his subject matter. From the opening of the track you are greeted with a warm, country style acoustic guitar line that is overlaid against a vaudeville style piano line. Think Gomez and Gorillaz ducking into a 1930’s prohibition bar. This blending of modern and old school instrumentation is one of the stand out elements of this release and only grows as the song moves forwards. With each instrumental addition another generation is represented. There is even a beautifully shimmering brass section that slides into the mix towards the later half of the song. For me, all these musical elements working together are a symbol of how the old and the new can always find a space to create something fantastic.

Lyrically the song is packed full of tongue in cheek references and tender reminders of how fleeting life can be. All the while you have the sense of a Chintzy proper up against the bar simply absorbing the avalanche that is life spilling around him. “…We don’t respect Human….” This line delivered twice during the first verse really has an air of exasperation and resignation to it. No matter who or what you are, respect is something to be granted to everyone but seems to be lacking in today’s society. He then goes on to explore the various earthquakes hthat have rocked numerous communities, all the while carrying a tone of disbelief that these situations, are even a thing. Amidst all of this, one single line really sums up the one thing that connects us all at the end of the day “…we can only hope, that when we croak, it won’t go up in smoke…” Coming early in the second verse this line stuck with me throughout the rest of the track and stuck with me long after the final note tinkled out of existence.

Overall, despite its commentary and self awareness, I wouldn’t class this song as ‘An anthem for change’. Instead It reads more as an anthem for those who live in the in-between. Those that can acknowledge the flaws in all arguments and seek to find the compromise that could untangle the constant negativity that seems to drive intention at the moment. Simply put, lets leave the world al little bit better than we found it for the next generation to do the same. But don’t take my word for it. Take a listen below and see what you think lies beneath the music.

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