Review: Every March
Every March has delivered a song that is warm, heartfelt and beautifully crafted without ever feeling overworked or forced.
REVIEWS
6/20/20262 min read
Next up is the brand new single from Every March, the musical alias of Downpatrick multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Barry Shields.
Released on 25th June, To Stay Above Ground is one of those songs that quietly sneaks up on you before refusing to leave your head for days afterwards.
The track opens beautifully with an angelic finger-picked guitar line that immediately sets the tone before the rest of the instruments gently ease the song into life. It is an understated introduction, but one that perfectly showcases Barry Shields' ability to let a song breathe and develop naturally.
The real star of the show, however, is the vocal.
It soars and sweeps effortlessly across the arrangement while carrying just enough gravel beneath the surface to add character and emotional weight. It is a performance that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time, drawing you into the song from the very first verse.
There are subtle nods to some of the great songwriters throughout. At times there is a touch of Tom Petty in the floating, melodic delivery, while hints of Bob Dylan emerge in the storytelling and phrasing. Yet these influences never dominate. Instead, they are woven seamlessly into a sound that feels entirely Every March.
Musically, the song sits somewhere between folk, pop and country, taking elements from each and blending them into something genuinely distinctive. The result is a sound that feels timeless while remaining fresh and relevant.
The interplay between the vocal and guitar lines is particularly impressive. Neither fights for attention and both complement each other perfectly, creating a rich and layered musical landscape that reveals more with each listen.
What makes To Stay Above Ground especially effective is its balance. It is undeniably catchy and accessible, but beneath the bright melodies lies a subtle emotional depth that gives the song real substance. There is light and optimism running through it, but also enough darkness to make the message resonate.
It feels tailor-made for long summer evenings, open roads and moments of reflection.
Every March has delivered a song that is warm, heartfelt and beautifully crafted without ever feeling overworked or forced. Sometimes the most powerful songs are the ones that make things sound effortless, and this is certainly one of them.
With To Stay Above Ground, Barry Shields proves once again that great songwriting never goes out of style. And if this is a sign of what's to come, Every March is doing far more than staying above ground - he's steadily rising above the crowd.