Back Is Rock is an expansive album, but its break out song, a song that makes you feel dropped into a dream-like state of the last Neanderthal, is Giù's Neandertal. Being the listener who has always pursued the songs which touch your soul and this song did that to me, that first distorted guitar chord hooked me right in, and created a feeling of loss that is achingly human.
GiU, the French craftsman of Embrun, filters his influences, the melodic flair of Elton John, the epic rock sweep of Kansas and the poetic introspection of Serge Gainsbourg, down to a story that can only be tragic and timeless, because extinction is not only the bones in the ground; extinction is the tale of dying echoes in our own blood.
The vocals are unrefined and emotional, can be described as the burden of loneliness of a weary traveler, the instrumentation creates a multi-layered atmosphere: the sparkling piano is contrasted with the pounding bass and bouncing drums, the most sensitive moments are mixed with the rock rush. Catchy, but at the same time immersive, it combines elements of blues undertones coupled with pop-rock riffs that will want you to press the replay button whenever you listen to it and feel every emotional high and low.
The recording is remarkable in its realness--not a single compromise, only the finely detailed work of GiU, captured at home, with a professional engineer who insisted on perfection, and then it tossed in that final run of guitar, as a touch of God. This is what touches me the most about Giu and how it turns scientific interests in empathy, examining identity and the horror of being the last strand in a loosening tapestry.
Within the greater narrative of strength and raw emotion throughout the twelve songs of Back Is Rock, the exemplary use of story telling ability can be found in the song Neandertal, compelling us to ponder our mutual humanity. It is not music and it is a reflection of our weaknesses and this makes me reflective and extremely touched. Giù proves rock can still unearth forgotten truths, making this track essential for anyone craving depth in their playlist.
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