Izzy MacArthur released her newest single ‘Landmines’ on October 4th, 2024, and it is a beautiful piece of art. The New York singer-songwriter and talented storyteller sings about the struggle of going through a serious event shared with a loved one, capturing the feeling of disconnection you can feel when you want to be there for the other person while also trying to come to terms with it yourself.
‘Landmines’ is built around a beautiful stripped-back acoustic guitar ballad. With inspiration drawn from artists like Bon Iver or Phoebe Bridgers, the song feels like a safety blanket. The soothing guitar melody during the verses is complemented by a reassuring chorus with powerful backing vocals.
Izzy explains that the song is essentially about navigating the aftermath of a significant event in your life, one that you experienced with a loved one. In the song, she acknowledges how each of them is trying to cope on their own, and notes that she knows how the other person is hurting, but she isn’t sure how to help (“I’m finding it hard to reach you. Not sure what you want me to do“). In the chorus, she sings “I know I can’t be the driver through the landmines you got in your head,“ recognizing that although we often want to fix things for those we love, sometimes we can’t. The lyrics “We got some distance to cover, and it’s not over yet,“ describe the disconnect that arises between you and the other person when you’re unsure how to help in the way they need, but it doesn’t mean you won’t try.
The song tackles a very heavy topic that I’m sure a lot of people have experienced before, and Izzy MacArthur captures the feeling of helplessness and desperation in a way that feels as heartbreaking as it feels reassuring.
For anyone who has ever felt this way, ‘Landmines’ is for you. If you like the song (which I’m sure you will), be sure to check out Izzy MacArthur’s previous releases.
Written by: Lara Thissen
Edited by: Shanna Henselmans
