Richmond-based artist Wes Parker has released his new single “Pull Me Under."
A lustful, angry, feedback-heavy and unvarnished track, “Pull Me Under” is Wes Parker’s ode to the heartbreak of loving someone who is very likely to hurt you by leaving too soon.
Wes said: “The song began as a slow-core sketch during a band rehearsal, eventually evolving into where I wanted the chorus to feel huge like an anthem. The song structure was inspired by Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi”, more specifically how it builds tension with a key change before the final chorus.”
“Pull Me Under” is Wes Parker’s follow-up to his debut EP Splinter, and comes as the second track from his upcoming EP Fantom, a concept album about a fallen angel’s descent into hell.
Starting up with gritty, clashing guitars right from the start before a brief few seconds of fuzzy white noise, “Pull Me Under” features a straightforward, slowed-down four-on-the-floor drum beat alongside Wes Parker’s clear, fittingly angelic vocals. “Pull Me Under” is dark and melancholic, but lacks grunge’s preferred use of a minor key, giving it an slight hopeful edge.
The torture of a love that wants to leave very much comes through in the lyrics, which don’t hide their message. Wes Parker sings "your rules/let’s go/you could pull me under". The repeated ‘pull me under’ is almost like a threat, which alongside the words "don’t you leave this hotel room/without saying I love you". This is a love with literally one (or both) feet out the door, and Wes Parker isn’t going to let them go easily.
Wes Parker readily channels the anger of a difficult break up with a refreshing lack of pretense, and his gorgeous vocals are the shine on a track that’s a true diamond in the rough.
Formerly a member of indie band Camp Howard, Wes Parker has been a solo artist since the band fell apart during the pandemic, now backed by a three-piece band.
Wes Parker’s album Fantom is out on Halloween.
