‘Stand and Deliver’ from Oklahoma City band Blueprint Tokyo represents a momentous new chapter that will culminate in a new EP. Emanating shades of The National and Curse of Lono, this slowly unravelling track explores themes of honesty in conversations and how that helps build strong relationships. This concept came about through two routes: the discussions the band had while writing their EP and the ill-fitting romantic connections that the members had in their younger years. Due to the easy relatability of the core message in ‘Stand and Deliver’, the song quickly came together for band members Andy Hale and Kevin Dawson.
As Dawson shares, “I’m excited to share the song. We grew as songwriters during Say Anything, and now Stand and Deliver continues that journey. It’s all about looking within. We did it a lot as we started working on our new EP. We have relationships on the surface but end up longing for something more profound. It’s easier to have those types of relationships when we’re young, but as we age, we become more guarded about our feelings.”
This sense of self-awareness and rising maturity is very much echoed through the track’s deft composition. From the onset, the band captures your attention with dramatic piano chords and brooding vocals that sets the tone for a deep-dive into one aspect of the human experience. Following this sombre yet melodic opening, brighter sounds of piano and synths are introduced as though replicating the moment when a stifled conversations becomes enlivened. Even further into the track, energetic drums and intuitive guitar, the latter of which with a tasteful dose of fuzz, are the final elements that complete the track. It’s by this sonic high-point that the songwriter’s put aside all doubts and misgivings about their relationships in order to embrace their loved ones. As they alternately sing, “we are one” and “here with you.”
When the song’s end approaches, the instruments drop back leaving a solitary synth keyboard and baritone voice which implores listeners to “stand and deliver” the truth of their heart. Only in that way can you truly discover life’s full potential.
Blueprint Tokyo are currently in the process of releasing their new EP, so keep your eye on the horizon for what’s bound to be a profound listening experience.
You can listen to ‘Stand and Deliver’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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