Ruston Taylor’s new single, “29,” is a moment in time infinitely tied up in gritty guitar techniques and reflective lyricism. Sculpting an anthem for the awkward in-between years, when youth feels like a distant memory, but adulthood still lacks a home address, Taylor drops a sound that melds pop-oriented indie rock with a ragged, grunge edge.
“29” has an infectious energy from its first chord, and this sort of track sounds like a late-night drive, with nostalgia and uncertainty in the shotgun. The melodies are naturally catchy, but there’s a sadness that lurks underneath the surface, making the song as emotionally gripping.
Taylor’s vocals imbue the song with a quiet urgency, combining vulnerability with defiance. His delivery makes every lyric seem personal, as if he’s telling a story we’ve all lived, in one way or another. The production is crisp but still unvarnished enough to keep its emotional rawness, evidence that Taylor isn’t so much making music as earning moments that land.
With “29,” Ruston Taylor has written a song for the purgatory of becoming a little older, between what’s behind and what lies ahead. It’s an indie rock gem that’s nostalgic yet feels as of the moment as anything, a soundtrack for the ones who’re still figuring it all out.
