Michael Lane - Our Love (EP)
If there is one modern folk pop artist who has seen the harsh realities in life, it is Michael Lane himself. Sent to Iraq and Afghanistan as a US soldier in his twenties, Michael was forced into cruelty and that Face the ugly. If his previous albums were like a kind of musical diary in which these experiences were processed, one notices that with his new album, Michael Lane regained lightheartedness and joy. „Our Love“ is a message of hope and the positive certainty that a time of crisis and reflection will lead people back to the important things.
Successes such as two top 50 songs in the German charts, four albums, international tours and the single "Liberty" as the official song of the Four Hills Tournament 2015/2016 made the German-American famous. Several songs have already found their way onto Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL editorial playlists, and are featured by wellknown tastemakers such as Alex Rainbird Music, Starbucks Playlists and Double J Music. In addition to his work as a musician, Michael Lane is currently also active as a songwriter for Production Music and as a music producer in his remote "Studio Waldblick“.
This is what he said about his new EP: „‚Our Love‘ is a melancholic reflection of the dualities within human connection—where love dances with pain, and light is tempered by shadow. The song is a portrait of longing, where the heart both yearns for release and battles with the weight of a past that clings. It explores how memories can be fleeting, like the breeze, and yet they have the power to shape the present. The constant tug-of-war between desire for freedom and the haunting hold of darker forces mirrors the fragility of our existence, where even in blindness, there is hope for clarity. "Our Love" is both a prayer and a plea, reaching for redemption amidst the complexity of love’s journey.“
Whatever song from Michael Lane you listen to, there is always that dreamy sound that takes all the worries away and transport you somewhere else, at least for its duration. The title track of the EP is a gentle celebration of the seemingly simple ability to love. And the fortune of being loved. "open my eyes to what's in front of me" is a significant and a very powerful line from the track, suggesting to the listener to be present in the moment and enjoy it to the fullest.
"Run Away" is another consoling track, reminding us "it's ok to cry". There is a painful vulnerability in Lane's vocal, affirmation that life is not all roses and smiles all the time.
"Live Free" is one of those peaceful compositions influenced by nature as we hear the stream running through at the start of the track. Perhaps a little seed planted in our minds that the nature is a sanctuary we all need to surround ourselves with when things get tough....Calm our hearts and minds and approach every new day with refreshed perspective. We hear gratitude as Lane sings "I am as lucky as can be 'cause I am alive".
"Don't Hold Back" starts with an existential question "where do we go when we die?" and we would dare to think this is something we all ask ourselves at some point, no matter what we believe in. We all wonder what lies after the end of life, if there is anything. This is probably the most fragile track on this EP, making us reflect, appreciate who we are, where we are and who we are surrounded by. Another line of wisdom within the song says "the universe will align and set you free", a gentle advice not to fight the fate, whatever is supposed to happen, will.
Closing track, Blind, is quite upbeat in its instrumentation, you picture a quickly running water in the stream as you listen. Lyrics are thought-provoking, such as " i am blind in this painted life, lost in the shades of black and white" or "search for rainbows in the pouring rain", forcing the listener to pay attention more than in his previous offerings. And think about what is being said. This personal touch and relatable lyrics make Michael Lane an artist who easily connects with his audience.