The new single from Justin Saladino Band begins with thumping drums and then that pulsing rhythm is maintained throughout an absorbing song. ‘Let You Go’ is particularly notable for two things. Firstly, Saladino’s vocal is excellent, displaying his range and soul and delivered with great clarity. Secondly, we get to see and hear a couple of outstanding slide guitar solos, full of swampy, bluesy melody as he flows up and down the fretboard with style and great technique. The video was recorded live at Montreal’s Tone Bender Studio, giving the band the opportunity to show what they can do. We get to see that captivating slide guitar up close.
Saladino told AUK about the song: “The lyrics for ‘Let You Go’ were initially scribbled out in 2015 and, although I liked them a lot, the musical ideas that I had at the time did not sync in a way that felt right to me. Years later, while writing this album, I felt I had found the perfect guitar idea and texture to go hand in hand with the lyrics. Lyrics about the ego, that subconscious but loud voice in your head that fills you with doubt and tears you down – that learned person we carry around inside us. Finally, the contrasting colours of the chorus and the reference to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde just felt right when it all came together. Brooding and overall darker than what I’ve created in recent years – ‘Let You Go’ is one of my favourites yet.”
It’s been a good year for the Montreal-based singer-songwriter and his band. Live shows have included the likes of Montreal Jazz Fest and Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VII Cruise, alongside the likes of Keb’ Mo’. Also, a new Ariel Posen-produced record has been released to critical acclaim. ‘Let You Go’ is the second single from Saladino’s sophomore album, ‘Honest Lies’, which is out now. There’s a powerful blend of roots rock, southern sounds and blues on ‘Honest Lies’, which features songs on a range of subjects, from intimate, personal songs to political and social themes. Check the album out but take a look at this first. Mesmerising.
