Axel Holmström’s “In Time” moves fast from the start, with lively guitars and quick, energetic drums setting the pace. The vocals are the real standout, though, covered in delay that gives them a strange, otherworldly feel, like they’re echoing from somewhere far away. That effect fits the song perfectly, since the lyrics circle around time slipping by, pain that keeps returning, and the promise that things will get better eventually, even when that promise starts to feel repetitive and uncertain the more it’s said.
The drums stay simple throughout by not doing too much, playing only where there’s no vocals, which works in the song’s favor. Instead of competing with the vocals, they step back and let the voice take the spotlight. There’s a nice moment where the drums drop out almost completely, leaving just the open hats and guitars behind, which gives the vocals room to really shine while not feeling scanty.
One of the best details is the small guitar melody that comes in after each vocal bar, almost as if the guitar is answering the singer or adding another hook. That back and forth becomes the backbone of the song. The arrangement keeps playing with this contrast, letting the vocals take over for a few bars before stepping aside and allowing the instruments to carry the song. It’s a simple idea, but it’s executed well, keeping the track moving and interesting from start to finish.
Axel Holmström’s “In Time” moves quickly from the start, with lively guitars and energetic drums setting the pace. The vocals are the real standout, covered in delay that gives them a strange, almost otherworldly feel, as if they’re echoing from somewhere far away.
Written by Toyo Senpai
