In “3 on 1,” three music writers for The Overcast share their reactions to a single song off a local album. Today’s track is “Rattling On” off the Run to the Rocks’ new self-titled album.

Damian Lethbridge:

This song contains all the key ingredients of a pop hit from the late 60’s. First it’s got that perfect ‘bubblegum beat’ that draws people to the dance floor like bees to honey. You know the one from early Beatles, Monkees and Herman’s Hermits records, that kick drum followed by two back to back snare beats, a brief pause and then one more snare (If still not sure see “That Thing You Do” by The Wonders). The second ingredient is that psychedelic Farfisa organ sound swirling around in there, conjuring up a kaleidoscope of sunflowers, rainbows and young, shirtless Jim Morrisons. The third key ingredient is the killer vocal harmonies, an art that the Nicoll boys have mastered. I love how one brother always sounds like he’s singing the happy version of the song while the other is singing the melancholy one. It reminds me of Mama’s & Papa’s “California Dreamin’”, you can’t figure out if the song is supposed to uplift or depress you and somehow it ends ups doing both.

Erin Power:

Run to the Rocks’ self titled release is an album that has been on heavy rotation in my cd player this summer. “Rattling On” is a gorgeous mix of hard driving rock and roll and light dreamy synth-pop. The tune sticks in your head and lyrically strikes a chord reminding us of those familiar moments of transitioning from things that might have been “rattling on”. Solid instrumentation with a twist of musical innovation makes this track stand out and yet it is just one of the outstanding moments on what is definitely an outstanding album.   

Lukas Wall:

Run to the Rocks’ “Rattling On” is a solid rocking tune that possesses much of the same great quirky charm that’s been part of many earlier Nicoll brothers’ projects. The song kicks off with a bang, and the organ tones and backbeat drum groove that run throughout the tune give it a cool, classic 60’s vibe. The guitar solo is ballsy and twangy, pushing the song into one last rousing and catchy chorus. “Rattling On” is a solid jam that deserves plenty of listening – keep it rattling on through your speakers.