Band: Retrosaint; Musicians: David Ross: Songwriter, vocals, acoustic guitar and keyboards; Jonny Lutz: Electric guitars, bass and drums; and Frances Takemoto: Fiddle-style violins

Single: ‘False Start;’ Secondary Renaissance; Released: August 27, 2024; Producer: Lutz: Producer, mixing; Evan Thompson: Vocal engineer; and Richard Dodd: Mastering

The most personal songs for musicians and listeners alike are those that emphasize the emotions people have when they believe they’ve reached a major milestone in their life. However, they soon discover that their journey of self-discovery actually hasn’t even begun yet. The new indie pop-rock single, ‘False Start,’ from Nashville-based collective Retrosaint is one such composition that highlights that vital realization.

Singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist, David Ross performs under the name Retrosaint, which takes personal inspiration from such bands as Ben Folds Five and Relient K. The up-and-coming collective also infuses a surprising touch of Americana vibes throughout ‘False Start,’ with the help of Jonny Lutz on electric guitars, bass and drums, and Frances Takemoto on the fiddle-style violins.

The track, which is the first commercial release to be distributed from Ross’ home studio in Tennessee, chronicles how sometimes good relationships inadvertently come to an end. ‘False Start’ chronicles how the crooner was processing a painful breakup, while also witnessing the marriage of a loved one fall apart.

The raw emotions Ross infused into the tune’s lyrics are enhanced by the Americana and rock elements added to the instrumentation, most particularly the guitars and bass. Despite the minimal production on the single’s vocals and instrumentation, its personal nature turns the end result into one of Retrosaint’s most polished songs.

‘False Start’ opens on a light, sparkling guitar riffs whichflow into a shimmering melody that’s driven by a mid-tempo rhythm. Ross’ rich vocals, which strike a vague resemblance of Ricky Nelson’s smooth voice, infuse the lyrics with luxurious tones.

The perfect example of elegant, easy listening, ‘False Start’ conveys the luscious finesse of Americana merged with infectious yacht pop flavors. Those tones truly shine through the track’s subtle Americana instrumentation,

Throughout ‘False Start,’ Ross pays homage to people who feel as though they’ve reached a major milestone in their life before realizing their journey actually hasn’t truly started yet. As he chronicles the pain over the ending of a romantic relationship before finally accepting that the connection wasn’t meant to last, the tune’s authentic emotive lyricism speaks to the human heart and soul.

For more information on Retrosaint, visit their Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube pages.