Bombay Bicycle Club’s Single Racing Stripes
review by Grace Shaver
Bombay Bicycle Club’s new album, debuting January 17th, is their first full-length project since 2014. The upcoming album also marks the band’s first collaboration since they announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Thankfully for fans everywhere, Bombay Bicycle Club is back with songs jam-packed with their personality. They’ve released three singles since August: Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You), Everything Else Has Gone Wrong, and, most recently, Racing Stripes.
Racing Stripes begins softly with a simple synth backing the first lyrics “Come and see you tonight,” which are sung in a raw, nearly wiry manner. The song continues in this fashion until around the one minute and thirty-five-second mark, when straightforward percussion is introduced. At this point, the slightly strained voice becomes more melodic, repeating the phrase “This light’ll keep me going... And I don’t even know wherever I may go.” Another voice is introduced at about two minutes and fifty-five seconds, along with another musical element, almost organ-like. The two voices harmonize and complement one another beautifully. The song then ends with a simple come down and fade that begins at three minutes and thirty-five seconds.
The way the song is designed is simplistic, yet it feels regal. There’s a gentle crescendo that is comforting. As the song builds, the singer’s confidence in the lyrics grows. It’s as if they're reassuring themselves, and therefore their listener, that everything will be alright. At its core, the song is rooted in believing in oneself. To let go and trust. To just keep going.
Racing Stripes is the perfect single to end the year (and the decade)! It’s melancholy while simultaneously remaining refreshing and free. It feels open and inviting. Personally, I’ve been listening to Racing Stripes constantly and will continue to do so. Racing Stripes portrays a sense of defeat followed by a gradual growth and eventual stability and peace. It portrays a universal sensation in a manner that is easy to digest and understand although experienced vary. Simply, it’s just a great song. You can listen to more great songs by Bombay Bicycle Club here.