Liverpool singer songwriter Paul Iwan has released his new double single ‘Returning’,the winning song from the songwriting challenge at Threshold Festival 2019.Taking its title from the brief of the challenge, the concept of returning was associated with relapse and regression for Paul Iwan, who has suffered from PTSD. The competition pushed him outside of his usual comfort zone, and into a more acoustic setting and letting the song speak for itself. Iwan is releasing two versions of his new single ‘Returning’, The Red and the Blue version.

‘Returning (Red Version)’ swirls in a dramatic wall of sound as dynamic synths flurry around crashing guitars and a punchy beat. The track is intense as the jagged strikes on guitars create a brawny harshness that contrasts the strident ethereal synths. Quite epic and powerful Iwan makes an impact with this big sounding alternative electronic rock number. 

‘Returning (Blue Version)’ strips back the track to more simple arrangement. It is a more delicate version with piano leading the track while the guitars and buoyant beat adorn the backdrop in warm tones. There is more vulnerability and sweetness in this version while the vocals maintain theatrical drama.

Paul Iwan shows us two different aspects of ‘Returning’. Both are equally potent and show his passionate songwriting and musicianship. His powerful alternative electronic sound in the Red version allows the track to blossom and become fierce, conflicting and expressive while the Blue versions delicacy allows the lyrics to hit hard as the tender emotion within the track becomes more apparent. Both versions Red and Blue, together, deftly express the reality and conflict many victims of PTSD live with. ‘Returning’ ( Red/Blue Version ) is a mesmerising display of art and musicianship from Paul Iwan.

Stream both versions of ‘Returning’ below 

Author : Danu