Garfield Mayor‘s latest single, “Light the Dark”, marks a significant shift in both sound and spirit. Following the upbeat energy of his summer hit “Foolish Feet”, the track ushers in a moodier indie-pop atmosphere that echoes the work of fellow Northern legend Ian Brown. In “Light the Dark”, Garfield steps away from danceable beats in favour of a grittier and more introspective terrain that showcases his resilience as an artist and his ability to continually evolve.
Having traded the polished touch of past collaborators like Mike Spencer, Garfield tackled “Light the Dark” with a more hands-on approach by recording and mixing the track in his home studio. The DIY effort injects an authenticity into “Light the Dark”. With the electric piano and drum patterns driving the track with relentless energy, the layers of synths and guitar add richness. The familiar acoustic tones of his adored Taylor 314 are also woven into the mix by adding a comforting connection to his earlier works.
“Light the Dark” is a reminder to honour one’s talents and push through life’s challenges. As Garfield says,
“We’ve all got talents that define us – it’s vital we nurture them. Light the Dark’s a call to exercise your talents no matter what… Or as Dr. King says: ‘we must keep moving’.”
The defiance and determination in both his lyrics and delivery reflect an artist who, despite a turbulent career, remains committed to his craft.