…changing everything, THE EFFENS – Things You Can’t Take Back
The Effens – Things You Can’t Take Back is available at Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.
by Walter Price
The recent single “Things You Can’t Take Back” from Toronto rockers The Effens covers a lot of ground. With nods to Nirvana, The Lemonheads, and The Marcy Playground, this track is as much post-grunge as it is 90s era alt-rock. And this combination culminates into a brilliantly constructed track. The kinda song that gets better with volume, try it.
Theme-wise, this one has many thoughts blended in. A lament of the merging of being carefree until you’re suddenly not. As the band is quoted, “Things You Can’t Take Back,” is about the moment something is said which changes everything. Whether it’s a promise of love or cutting someone down, the truth or a lie, it cannot be unsaid. Each of us hold and give this power to one another when we choose to be vulnerable.”
And the third line sets the vibe and the tactile sensation becomes apparent, “Sittings on handlebars, as we terrify the cars“.
So polite, wonder where you’ll sleep tonight
Covering, holding tight, is there something that you’d like?
Sittings on handlebars, as we terrify the cars.
Chewing hair, he’s so cute it isn’t fair.
Wish I would, don’t you dare, not myself when you’re not here.
Promises fill the gaps, don’t say things you can’t take back.
Unkind, my shattering eyes.
Don’t speak, so closely next time.
Gun shy whatever you’d like.
Unforgiven dear other.
Staggering, pull the zipper to the skin.
Unconvinced, by the sting are you changing everything?
Pull apart every thought, I don’t think it’s going to stop…
In a quote provided by The Effens, the cinematic mood is explained further, “This is the relationship at the heart of the song – two people on one bike, swerving in and out of traffic. They put themselves in danger but dilute themselves enough to feel that they are in control because they are the ones scaring the drivers…They are two individuals who believe everything is temporary, trying to hold onto something for a moment that will make them feel less helpless.”
So if you like you’re rock n roll full of crunch and deep-rooted lyrics, then add this one to your favorite life-is-a-highway playlist. And you stream this indelible track as well as “Pavement Age, now at the GTC.
THE EFFENS
Band photo by Ben Lappalainen
Strings performed and recorded by Mike Tompa
Recorded by The Effens
Produced by Nops Whileaway
Mastered by Kristian Mantano
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“Hyper-strange post-grunge and glam pop four-piece who seem to take in all the vagaries of the internet age and recycle them into something unique and fantastic.” facebook/bandcamp bio