e line between reality and delusion can often be a hard one to detect. Our conscious experiences might just be a long-lasting fever dream, some bizarre computer simulation, or (using Occam’s Razor here) it might simply be exactly what we see. It’s a tricky concept that has puzzled philosophers, songwriters, and the merely neurotic for longer than we have had written records. One such deep-thinker who grapples with this idea is Windsor-based musician Will Spencer, whose climatic single ‘The Real World’ is an astonishing reflection of the human mind.
‘The Real World’ opens with a hymnal layering of Spencer‘s voice as he introduces this dizzying interrogation of his own reality. The story-telling aspect here is really captivating, with an air of magic realism that further entices the listener in. From here, we’re taken on quite a stylistic journey as the chant-like verse flows into echoed vintage synths and Spencer steps up his vocals to that of impressive rock-pop frontman territory. It’s during this assimilation that the artist asks, “what if all this time I was looking for the real world, but it was right in front of my eyes?” This heavy realisation is contrasted by a preppy array of yacht-rock elements, like a skipping keyboard melody, bouncing bass guitar, and two-stepping drum beats.
As the song progresses further, Will Spencer‘s emotional sincerity becomes more potent as the repeated re-questioning of his former thought patterns leads him to discover a new appreciation for the life that’s set before him. The last third of ‘The Real World’ is especially powerful and we can already imagine his voice encircling a packed venue for what would surely be a life-affirming gig moment for all involved.
It’s say to say, we’re officially now a fan of Will Spencer and can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve this year.
You can also listen to ‘The Real World’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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