Hailing from the heart of Utah’s indie scene, Michael Barrow & the Tourists have consistently delivered music that strikes a chord with both the heart and mind. Rooted in a blend of folk, rock, and blue-eyed soul, this quintet has carved out a unique sonic space where soulful melodies meet the dusty echo of Americana and indie rock. The band’s latest single, “Over It,” perfectly encapsulates this delicate balance, marrying introspective lyrics with infectious melodies that will linger long after the song ends.
After a successful national tour in 2022 and a surprise hit with their orchestral love duet “I See Stars”—featured as the theme song for ‘The Kiss Bet’ (WEBTOON Original)—Michael Barrow & the Tourists were primed for something new. That ‘something’ arrives in the form of “Over It,” a deeply reflective yet powerfully anthemic track that marks a return to the band’s folk-rock roots, while also serving as the lead single for their upcoming third studio album, *HAPPY*, due out in 2025.
For long-time fans of the band, “Over It” feels like a homecoming. The song draws from the indie folk-rock textures that first endeared the band to their audience, yet it also hints at something new. Imagine the evocative, raw emotion of James Bay’s early work, paired with the big, bold sound of Sam’s Town-era The Killers. In “Over It,” the band has managed to marry the intimacy of folk storytelling with the soaring intensity of rock, all while exploring themes that resonate deeply with listeners.
The song kicks off with an arresting drumroll, courtesy of Reed Perkins, setting the stage for what is both an emotional and sonic journey. The steady, driving beat, layered with lush piano riffs and Mac Wright’s ethereal lead guitar, creates a vibrant musical landscape that contrasts with the introspective weight of the lyrics. The result is a track that is as cathartic as it is contemplative—a hallmark of the band’s best work.
At its core, “Over It” is an exploration of identity, self-doubt, and the perpetual struggle for personal growth. Michael Barrow’s lyrics cut deep, opening with the poignant line: “Whose heart is on my sleeve?” It’s a vulnerable and visceral question that sets the tone for the song’s introspective journey. Barrow captures a sentiment that many grapple with—the feeling of being emotionally exposed yet disconnected from one’s own feelings, as if wearing a heart that doesn’t quite fit. This vulnerability is woven throughout the track, exploring what it means to wrestle with self-perception and the nagging feeling of incompleteness.
One of the most striking lines in the song, “Am I half of a man, half of the time?” encapsulates the depth of this internal conflict. The speaker is grappling with feelings of inadequacy and fractured identity, a theme that echoes throughout the song. This line, with its raw honesty, invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles with identity—when we question whether we are living fully or only existing in fragments. It’s a deeply relatable sentiment, and one that Michael Barrow delivers with both grace and grit.
The chorus, “Do I let you change my mind?”, is a masterstroke of simplicity. It embodies the tension between holding onto old patterns and the fear of letting go, of allowing someone else—or even oneself—to influence that change. It’s a subtle yet profound question that speaks to the heart of personal transformation. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation, a moment of vulnerability, to push us toward growth, and the song captures that moment with precision.
What makes “Over It” truly stand out is its ability to fuse weighty, introspective lyrics with an irresistibly upbeat, anthemic sound. Reed Perkins’ percussion keeps the energy high throughout, and as the track unfolds, Michael Barrow’s vocals oscillate between smooth restraint and soaring intensity, especially in the chorus where the song hits its emotional peak. The interplay between the piano, guitar, and driving drums adds layers of richness to the sound, while a freeing guitar interlude near the end provides a moment of pure sonic catharsis.
The last fifteen seconds of the song, where Barrow’s vocals reach new emotional heights, are nothing short of mesmerizing. It’s the kind of vocal performance that demands to be replayed, and it’s where the tension between frustration and resolution is most palpable. By the time the song concludes, listeners are left feeling both the exhaustion of the protagonist’s emotional cycles and the faint glimmer of hope that change, though difficult, is possible.
“Over It” serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come on ‘HAPPY’, Michael Barrow & the Tourists’ forthcoming album. Thematically, the album seems poised to tackle the complexities of personal growth, emotional resilience, and the pursuit of happiness—though not in its superficial, easily attainable form. If “Over It” is any indication, ‘HAPPY’ will be an album that asks hard questions and invites listeners to sit with the discomfort of those questions, all while providing a soundtrack that makes the journey bearable—and even enjoyable.
With “Over It,” Michael Barrow & the Tourists have delivered a song that transcends its catchy melodies to offer something far more substantial. It’s a track that speaks to the internal struggles we all face—of feeling lost, questioning who we are, and wondering if change is truly possible. Wrapped in infectious hooks, driving instrumentation, and emotive vocals, “Over It” is more than just an earworm—it’s a song that will make you think, feel, and maybe even start to answer those tough questions about identity and fulfillment.
For fans of indie rock with heart and depth, Michael Barrow & the Tourists’ “Over It” is a must-listen. As they gear up for the release of ‘HAPPY’ in 2025, this single sets the stage for what promises to be a powerful, soul-stirring album. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hitting ‘replay’ again and again—this is one journey worth taking.
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