I was home for the semester thanks to COVID, and this was my life now. I sat in a prairie throwing tennis balls into the spacious abyss for my beloved German Shepherd pup to fetch and bring back to me. The vocals are shrouded in some kind of demurity reserved for indie singers and songwriters. The song has that oddly small Midwestern town vibe, like it found fun in itself in a place where there isn't much else to do but look inside yourself and pull out the pretty parts that make your day memorable. "Ticker Tape Parade" by Absent City is one of those soft pop-rock numbers that would sound right at home soundtracking a partly cloudy beach day or the lull that strikes in the middle of road trips. It seems like every choice on this song was after that same mission, an effort to make this song feel like easy love: vibey percussion, beautiful waves of trumpets, dreamy chords, a warm bass to hold it together, subtle harmonies, the trumpet and guitar solo. As a listener you can just float right alongside, enjoying every moment. There is such variety in his delivery, yet Hawkins navigates the shifts effortlessly. There’s strength in his earnestness, giving more power to the grit, more assurance to the smooth, and such a visceral longing love when he steps into a higher register. And that’s what holds your ear - the incredible performance from Hawkins himself. Hawkins’ undeniable smooth tone sets you at ease as you feel yourself dissolve into this daydream. The song’s chorus feels entirely relatable and chock-full of earnest desire. Visions of perfect moments at the beach embody Hawkins’ writing, revealing a desire to rekindle romance with a past flame, bringing those moments to life. Hawkins arrives with the vocals and lyricism to match the mood.
Instantly the production welcomes you into its arms, seemingly sitting in the sand as the sun sets.
#TWITTER TICKER TAPE FOR MAC FULL#
Reminiscing on a sunny love, the song is full of so much heart. As summer has faded to fall, and we all long for warmer days, Jordan Hawkins is here with a lifeline.