The Heard Eye burst onto the indie scene in 2023, with the release of their innovative new album “Funkalypse”. After some time focusing on live shows and moving away from new music, the band returns with a hard-hitting reggae single in the form of “Only One Earth.”
The track starts out with gloriously warm and bright trumpets enveloping you in a tapestry of smooth reggae-infused funk. This is set against the backdrop of a rich, mellow bassline, while the groovy syncopated percussion kicks in.
The band wastes no time getting to their message of environmental conservation, starting off with powerful verses like
“Can they build a machine
To make the fertile soil
For the food to grow
What would it cost?
What have we lost?”
The rhythmic ensemble is tight yet fluid, carrying reggae’s signature sway to perfection. However, the light instrumentation takes nothing away from the song’s seriousness, and the titular question “We have only one Earth/Tell me what it’s worth” never misses and strikes you right in your soul.
The lyrics of this track pose visceral questions about whether modern conveniences can replace the bounties of nature and what would remain when we poison our only home. These are not idle musings, and they strike as firm reminders that our comforts are built on stilts that could collapse any day now.
Musically speaking, the melodic guitar solo that kicks in at about the halfway mark is absolutely glorious. It’s both expressive and assertive, filling the sonic space without overpowering it. In a track that’s nearly five and a half minutes long, it provides that change of pace to keep things fresh.
The production is crisp and spacious as well, with each instrument finding its own place. The bass, drums, trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and vocals all blend together harmoniously without sacrificing any of that delicious complexity. The intros, interlude, and outro feel like chapters in a story, making for a truly indulgent experience.
Only One Earth is a timely and reflective anthem that isn’t just meant to be heard, but felt as well. It’s a reminder that we need to change our ways now, or at the very least be conscious of all the damage that can’t be undone.
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