Described by fans as “R.E.M. meets Weezer,” Escape Ring is back with another feel-good anthem, just in time to ring in 2022 with some much-needed positivity. Following up on their saccharine single, “All the Way,” I wasn’t sure what to expect from Escape Ring. The new single, “Winning the War,” stresses a welcome ideology we could all benefit from. On the meaning behind the song, the band says it’s about “convincing yourself you can do something and then the next day starting over again. I feel like I am winning the war. Today, maybe not tomorrow.”
Less than a month away from the new year, I don’t think “Winning the War” could have come at a better time. This easy-listening track is a perfect pick-me-up, reminiscent of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World in terms of its lyrical content. It’s one of those tracks that gets you feeling optimistic for the day, like you can tackle whatever stands in your way.
My first thought as the vocals flooded in was, “Oh yeah, this is R.E.M. all the way.”
Described as a “continuation of classic rock with the sonics of today,” the track has a way of pushing that sunny, upbeat persona to the forefront, keeping it groovy with its light-hearted lyrics and tune. One of the more illustrious aspects of the track is when the horn section comes out to play. That brassy, soulful sound delicately layered in adds an extra dimension that really helps accentuate the cheery façade.
Another noteworthy element in “Winning the War” is the group vocals in the background. Escape Ring says that “the song chronicles the struggle of conquering the voices in our own heads holding us back from whatever it is we secretly know we should be doing,” and it feels like those group vocals elicit a sense of comradery, like we’re all in this together. I’m sure many of us can relate to that feeling.
It’ll be exciting to see what comes next for Escape Ring. For now, let’s take a note from “Winning the War,” and focus on pushing past those voices in our head and conquering what’s holding us back. At the very least, I hope we can revel in a day where we “feel like we’re winning the war” as 2021 comes to a close.
Led by songwriter Darren Moss, Escape Ring is a pop rock band from Melbourne, Australia. They are currently working towards releasing their debut album, “Anybody Can Do Anything,” collaborating with producers who “have worked with Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar and Drake to give their classic rock inspired melodic tunes some serious 2021 sonic punch.”
Written by Lena Hageman