Marching rhythms in the form of organic claps and bluesy inflections lead us into this soulful stomp of a track from a project founded and fronted by folk-rock and country songwriter Ali Wood. The outback, isolated swagger of this one immediately fills the room with a sense of drama and depth. The reverb-washed soundscape proves quickly hypnotic, giving off a drunken level of immersive escapism that’s lightly guided by the rasp and desperation of Payne’s cleanly cut, up front vocal.
The country vibe of the track gives listeners a nostalgic yet refreshing feeling. Combined with the smooth music and the strong lyrics Ali Wood takes our imagination to a different world. His ability to get our attention till the song finishes are magical. When Life Gets Hard! has the workings of a timeless classic. Written from the corners of self-reflection, recorded with a sleepy kind of passion and grit that beautifully suits the underlying sentiments. Infectious yet melancholic, connecting for its purity and the honest relaying of the situation of the self. Well worth a listen at volume.
