It’s so refreshing how so much meaning and purpose can still be injected into a song through the most unassuming elements. Today’s hotspur comes from Tottenham, and goes by his moniker, ‘common goldfish’.
I Don’t Feel Today strikes me as being a product of three distinct musical eras. The late-60s melodic pop compositions and driving rhythms. 90s Britpop, with its swaggering vocals courtesy of the Gallagher brothers and young Damon Albarn’s street-conscious crooning. And finally, the modern streak of Europop with acts like Hooverphonic and Morcheeba, making accessible music, with sophisticated harmonies and lush production.
It’s quite a rich mix that common goldfish prepared for us today. I Don’t Feel Today talks about the current state of human society. Growing ever so distant and isolated, he quite intelligently remarked how today, we basically live on top of one another, and yet feel the most isolated and unheard that we’ve ever felt, collectively. He injected his composition with gritty, driving bass to symbolize the breakneck pace of modern life. The playful synth arpeggios and the punchy snare pay beautiful homage to Europop’s finest moments while being solid backbones that provide a major part of this song’s charm.
A trippy musical foray into sensitive, serious topics, explored through the nostalgia-tinted lens of common goldfish’s gorgeous retro-influenced musical landscape. If nothing of its message hit home, its beautiful and entertaining sound should be enough to capture your attention.