Michael Vdelli and the Art of Dysfunction start “You And The Blues” at a slow pace as opposed to a fast one. The guitar is the lead instrument, and it’s calm and detailed, holding onto each note just a little longer than you would expect. You can hear the weight it has long before the vocals begin.
I think the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the band is so understated. They definitely can play harder, play louder, but they don’t. They leave space for the music to breathe, and let that space carry a lot of the feeling. For this reason, the song is real and sincere. All of the guitar bends sound like they have come from somewhere personal.
The rhythm section plays at a slow and steady tempo, and starts to pull you in, almost hypnotising you. It is like watching dark water flow silently at night. Nothing feels rushed. The verses remain close and personal and the chorus, unforced. It is not about size or scale. This much control for a band this new is impressive.
The lyrics are quite intimate and imagery of fire and water is used to convey living through pain and emerging different. No self-pity in the writing. Rather, it’s as though somebody is being sincere with themselves, admitting to themselves that they’re part of previous wrongs and deciding to be understanding instead of avoiding them. It is rare to see such openness, and typically only happens with experience.
The recording is perfect for the song. It’s never too complicated or polished; it’s just the interaction between the musicians that carries the track. Four people can be heard really listening to one another as they play. That adds a natural, real-life quality to the song that can’t be faked.
At the song’s conclusion, it’s not a story about failure. It is like standing after a hard thing and knowing that you’re still standing strong. Michael Vdelli and the Art of Dysfunction have crafted a song that is emotional and has its own weight, and it’s an emotion that remains long after the last note.
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