International Furlough released two tracks — “Blind in One Eye” and “Down on the Pharm.”
The former song is carried by guitarist Ian Luddy’s strong “de-tuned guitar riffage” matched with with Ryan Elwood’s drumming that makes you want to bop your head. While Luddy sings with a drawl, it’s almost reminiscent of someone on drugs. He sings: “Grab it from the Med cabinet and delve into it / Fixate on mine like it’s not over yet / Psychoactive substances always add to the mi / No one say a word I plan to drown in my gift.”
“Down with the Pharm” is similar, except it takes it up a notch with the guitar and drums in a way that makes it feel like an anthem calling for your attention. Of the two, this is definitely the standout track.
“Jade my eye never feel the weight / How far I would go just to heal again / Jade my eye never feel the weight / How far I would go to never feel again,” sings Luddy.
In a statement provided to press, Luddy (also bass and vocals) said the “[l]yrics were inspired by a crippling dependence and strong discontentment. With the instrumental sections matching the heaviness of the lyrical themes, the end result is an engulfment in down tuned distortion, thick bass lines, and heavy drum beats that mirror the heaviness of the lyrics they support.”
Jeff Kanan with The Keep Recording produced both tracks.
Listen to the songs here.
