There’s something oddly hypnotic about the way “The Son Must Follow The Moon” walks its tightrope—that precarious space between secular rock swagger and gospel exultation. You’d expect tension here, but Tillerman, with their odd alchemy of Jon Kulczycki’s earnest vocals and Nicky Van Hines’ razor-sharp Nashville guitar tones, somehow hold the tension together like it’s nothing. Faith and distortion? Sure, why not.
The song starts like an unexpected breeze—Tom Kulczycki’s drums hit in a way that feels equal parts restrained and monumental—are drums supposed to feel architectural? Like scaffolding for a cathedral of melody? Meanwhile, Jon’s voice—a curious mix of grit and grace—takes on the role of an ancient storyteller, guiding us through a Saharan desert of doubt only to suddenly land us in the lush gardens of forgiveness. Is this about Jesus? Absolutely. But the trick Tillerman pulls off is making the divine allegorical enough that, believer or not, you’re left reflecting on your own personal betrayals and tiny resurrections.
Iain Moyser’s bass is more a pulse than an instrument—less about notes and more about what’s beating beneath the floorboards of your chest. And oh, let’s not forget the most unexpected guests: The Itunu Gospel Choir from Nigeria. Their voices? Unreal. Like a sunbeam bursting through stained glass. They elevate the chorus with a kind of holy honesty that makes you wonder why more rock bands aren’t tapping directly into raw spirituality.
Are we meant to be thinking about the Easter story, or are we just meditating on the human condition? “The Son Must Follow The Moon” is less an anthem and more a communal prayer gathering around some cosmic campfire.
Words fall short. This song? It doesn’t.
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