SONG REVIEW: ‘Halfway Home’ – Renwick

Renwick’s newest track ‘Halfway Home’ is a transient folky memoir to the days of house parties in overpriced Newtown flats, neckbeards, Fortnite dance moves and wanting to leave. If you want an escape from lockdown reality into those all-too-real nights out, this song is perfectly nostalgic. It gives the vibe of mellow guy-who-can-play-Wonderwall but, more importantly, is a strong addition to Renwick’s already trancisent low-fi discography, adding a fresh, folky spin on a quintessential, 20-something mood.

This song shows off the range of Renwick’s dulcet voice as it lays over angelic harmonies, hums and(for lack of a better word) folky guitars. I even caught myself singing “I’m halfway home in my mind’s eye,” – the repetition pushes the song forward as a lullaby where the lyrics of the tune really catch you off guard as an earworm. Renwick’s vocals continue to build as the song goes on – soothing and buttery (could win the next Eurovision if Australia is looking for a chill introvert who may want to leave before the party gets too wild). This song paints Renwick as an introspective lyricist, reminiscent of the stripped-back tunes by Hozier.

The accompanying music video directed by Blake Gamble and shot by Jack Moran adds the right mixture of embarrassing fortnight dancing and trance-like swerving close-ups that almost hypnotize the audience as it syncs to the guitars. It’s a fresh and invigorating addition to the mellow track and serves as a simple storyline which backs up the lyrics. My favourite part would either have to be watching the almost cult like other background party goers or the ranga who is too into his role of shit talker at the end.

If there are any faults with the song, it is simply too short! Come on Renwick! I need to be serenaded for longer than just 2 minutes and 30 very short seconds. The anticipation built up by the guitar solo leaves listener’s wanting more.

‘Halfway Home’ is so emotionally available –  a sticky reminder of pre-lockdown social engagements where I wanted to leave. The song is like a clear, warm chicken soup and it’s delicious!