I think my comment when you announced the coming of this project was.... this should be interesting.... and yeah... it is.

It's always good to get out of our self-imposed boxes and write stuff that we're not really 100% up to speed on or comfortable with. That's the kind of experience that helps us grow as writers and musicians. So.. kudo's on doing that with this song.

I really liked the musical bed. That is my favorite part of the song. Really rocking stuff going on musically. Guitars chugging away, off the wall picking, driving drums..... there's a lot to like and appreciate here.

Nits and crits:

On this playback system the drums and bass were lacking a bit. So I fired up the lappy and used cans..... not much difference actually. Wondering about the compression levels on this since when the drums and bass does come in, you can hear it's there but it really doesn't make a big difference in the levels. It's kinda boxy and perhaps a bit subdued sounding rather than laying a solid foundation. You need to "open up the sound" a bit with respect to the low end. Put some dynamics back in the mix. Just because it's punk rock, don't kill it with compression and limiters. Let the mix breathe.

Singing is first class as always.... but it's easy to listen and say, yup.. that's a country singer right there.... That's not a crit.... just an observation. Our learned and practiced habits are hard to break. Like going to another part of the country and about 15 seconds into a sentence, the other party looks at you and says.... "You ain't from around here, are you?"

Good song....not my favorite genre but heck... keep writing these kinds of songs that are out of your normal style.... it certainly makes for interesting listening and will aid you on your songwriting journey.

It's all good....!!!

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.