Arliston returns with a poignant offering in their new single, “What Did I Think Would Happen“, the opening track from their forthcoming album, Disappointment Machine, set to be released in January 2025. This track marks a powerful beginning to the narrative of unrequited love that the album promises to explore.
The song opens with the sound of clicks and whirs reminiscent of a VHS tape being loaded into a VCR, instantly evoking nostalgia while setting a cinematic tone. This initial auditory cue positions the listener as an audience member on the edge of their seat, akin to the pre-credits scene of a suspenseful film, where everything is charged with an ominous potential. “What Did I Think Would Happen” perfectly captures the essence of heartbreak – a feeling that’s both familiar and raw, as it leads us down the path of what could go wrong in love.
Wrapped in analog warmth and guided by a simple yet haunting piano melody, the track’s emotional depth is palpable. Jack Ratcliffe’s vocals express a vulnerability that feels almost tangible, as he lays bare the scars of a bruised heart. The idiom of “wearing your heart on your sleeve” resonates deeply, yet here, it’s not just any heart; it’s one marked by past wounds, wrapped in a guarded uncertainty that leaves listeners wondering whether it can withstand further hurt.
“This is one of my favourite songs on the album,” Jack shares. “We captured something that was very raw and at the same time feels gentle and intimate. It’s one of the hardest things to do: capture a strong emotion without screaming and shouting. But, with this one, we managed to very lightly hold this poignant thing in the palm of the hand and express it with not much more than a whisper.”
This delicate balance between restraint and emotional intensity is masterfully woven throughout the song. The immediacy of the feelings is heightened by the fact that many of the elements you hear were captured in first takes. Arliston’s commitment to retaining the spontaneity of these raw emotions during the production process adds an authenticity that feels refreshingly genuine.
As band member George summarizes, “This song is an exercise in restraint. We tried adding lots of production, some of which stayed in as resampled. It was about finding the balance. It’s such an intimate song that we didn’t want to break that spell too frivolously.” This attention to detail is evident in the way the song builds oddly discordantly, featuring wheezing brass and clamoring piano that contrast beautifully with Jack’s piercing falsetto. His vocal delivery dances between a despondent chorus and verses filled with vivid snapshots from a night steeped in emotional turmoil.
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