Songwriters Michael Coleman and J. Richard Murray otherwise known as See Your Shadow have delivered us their latest single Whatever On The Rocks. A country song by any other means, but also something slightly different. Whatever On The Rocks is a veer from See Your Shadow‘s typical thematic approach in that it is more open to interpretation than previous pieces. The illustrious use of metaphor in this track took me a little off-guard as I was expecting a more traditional country song infused with spiritual connotations resulting in the quintessential topics See Your Shadow usually explores. Now, I may be completely off track with this interpretation, but this is my privilege of being an unbiased reviewer. I feel this track is about acceptance, about understanding that everybody has their own unique pain, and demons they are wrestling with. Whatever On The Rocks thus becomes a metaphor for giving people anything they require to ease their burdens and cope with the pain regardless of faith, conditions, or beliefs. If I am on to something here, I have found a newfound appreciation for the power of songwriting, as this theme is not so very present, but a lingering impression left long after the song has been consumed. The performance as well leads to this acceptance theme as each cadence is resolved on the downbeat with a lower vocal articulation. This method of singing lends to the emotive display of finality and less to the possibility of challenging the overall status quo. By staying true to the country music archetype of alcohol for pain relief, yet offering ambiguity to what is in the glass, See Your Shadow has in turn taken a simple archetype and turned it around into a complex emotive piece of art worthy of this discussion.

Whatever On The Rocks is a great contemporary Country song with hints of traditional elements. The production of this track is well-executed, the vocals are crisp and clear while the melodic form which takes up the majority of the instrumentation contrasts the vocals with ease. I feel this track could have used some more bottom end to help push the groove as Whatever On The Rocks plays more in the treble range of the frequency band. This is not a bad thing, as this song does possess an uplifting presence and the choice to not push a main funk helps keep the feeling and power of this track as an inspirative piece. Of course, like everything else See Your Shadow produces, the commercial aspects are always present. A hit single by any other means, perfect for Country, Middle-Of-The-Road, or Adult Contemporary radio formats. The singing, musical performance, and phrasing of the choruses give Whatever On The Rocks a sure replayable aspect, and hopefully, give you the listener a new meaning with each listen.