On the 27th of June, Leith Ross released their new single ‘(I Can See) The Future’. Leading up to the release of their upcoming album, this hypnotising track takes the listener along to the future. The Canadian singer-songwriter explains that the song was born from a feeling of hopelessness and depression about the world, and their turn to needing to believe that it can and will get better, to fight for a better world for future generations.
The song is written from the perspective of someone living in this future- a better world that we can work for in the present. Having this meaning in mind, the lyrics are ingeniously constructed, showing Leith’s incredible songwriting capacities. The lyrics are simultaneously sweet, poetic, and politically charged. Lines such as “flowers, flowers, flowers grow, in the brick and the stone, of the prisons and roads, it was so long ago” describe the future Leith has in mind; an equal and balanced world.
Sound-wise, this song contrasts with their earlier releases – it is more upbeat with a steady drum beat and slightly electronic vocal effects. This sound works well in line with the theme of the song, giving it a somewhat futuristic feel. The song has no clear chorus, and continues the same beat for most of it, until a more explosive moment hits the listener, where more instruments chime in to support cathartic vocalising without words. This is the most emotional part without even having lyrics: in this part, it can truly be felt what it would be like to live in this future and be hopeful about it.
The song starts to feel a tad bit repetitive near the end, however, the repetition can also be seen as a mantra: to keep believing in a better future with more fair systems, flowers and light. Ending the song on the lines “I can see the future, I can”, the important meaning of the song is concluded, leaving the listener with hope, something much needed.
Anxiety about the state of the world and not wanting to fall into despair is a topic that surely resonates with many, and Leith Ross is an excellent voice of a generation putting this into both words and sound. ‘(I Can See) The Future’ is the second single from their upcoming album I Can See The Future, to be released on September 19th. With this song that is both smart and sweet, the anticipation for this record only grows.
Written by: Marieke Weeda
Edited by: Suzanne Teernstra
