Tough Touch is your classic sophomore record in the sense that it sees the artist reflecting on the persona she introduced on her debut and lopping off any tendrils that may inhibit creative growth. With the first two singles from the new record, Scout Gillett assured her listeners that blistering electric guitar riffs and soaring choruses will remain in the equation moving forward—“Too Fast to Last” and “Coney Island” both demonstrate what it was about her songcraft that drew Sharon Van Etten to her music early in her career—while the record’s third and final pre-album single “Gonna Change” forgoes rocking out for a tame, saloon-set two-step. Which is to say that I’m sure Van Etten’s friend Angel Olsen would approve, too.
“‘Gonna Change’ is about the daunting reality of how life is always changing, with the goal in mind to ‘exist inside the grey, where nothing stays the same,’” shares Gillett of the track, which pairs the twang of C&W guitars with her wispy vocals before the song opens up to spotlight her collaborators. “We attach to our ideas of ourselves and others and sometimes that blindsides reality. Although this song tackles some challenges, it still maintains an upbeat attitude that you can two-step along to. Sonically, I had Bobby Charles’ self-titled record in mind; Jason Frey’s horns and Omar Schambacher’s guitar solo paint a beautiful picture—it’s one of my favorite moments on the record. This song makes me feel good.”
Tough Touch arrives this Friday via Slouch Records. Pre-order the record here, and check out the music video for “Gonna Change” below.
