Like Bon Iver if they were based in the UK as opposed to the USA, or France, You’re on Your Own is the Liverpool-based musical project of Mayan Jeroen and Ciaran Francis Dooley.
Take The Handcuffs Off (Please) is, for the most part, an electro-folk lament. Flecked with moments of glorious vocal harmonies and liberal use of auto-tune, comparisons to Justin Vernon’s ubiquitous and well-loved outfit are unavoidable.
There are also elements of Mumford & Sons (i.e. a banjo), Los Campesinos! at their most tender and, in the palpable earnestness, I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning-era Bright Eyes.
The song is an exploration into artistic insecurity and uncertainty and the perennial desire for validation and vindication. It’s rather beautiful and clearly crafted with love and care.
Eventually it devolves into a brief but intense thick, fuzzed up freakout which comes way out of left field, but works brilliantly as a surprise outro.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
