Retrosaint explain how one False Start leads to two broken hearts in their romantic new indie-pop single — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest release from the Nashville project fronted by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Ross, False Start has an unexpected vein of Americana to it that makes it a bit of a departure. Though of course it’s also a very personal song for Ross.
“Sometimes good relationships come to an end, for whatever reason,” he says. “And sometimes, we think we’ve reached some big milestone in life when in fact, the journey hasn’t even started yet. That’s what False Start is about. (No, it’s not a song about football. Har har.) I was still processing a breakup, while also witnessing a loved one’s marriage fall apart. Writing this song was the best response I could come up with.”
The raw emotions of the lyrics are enhanced by the Americana and rock elements Ross added to the song, and since it’s so personal, it may also be why he decided to conscript minimal help in writing and producing it.
“This song is the first commercial release to come out of my home studio (still yet to be named) in Nashville, a project that was several years in the making,” he says. “Besides the mastering, the only people involved in creating it were close friends of mine — a departure from my past approach to the recording process. I’m super proud of this fact!
Retrosaint formed in 2020 with Ross at the helm, backed by Jonny Lutz on electric guitars, bass and drums. Lutz also produced False Start, while Frances Takemoto provided the fiddle-style violins. Ross has been a musician most of his life; he is a classically trained pianist and appeared on the reality show American Supergroup’s first season. While bandleading at a local church, a congregant introduced him to Ken Coomer, the original drummer of legendary indie outfit Wilco. The serendipitous intro proved to be a turning point, as Coomer would produce Ross’ debut single and later his self-titled EP, featuring drumming from Coomer himself.
That release was straight up-and-down alt-rock, with Ross citing Ben Folds Five and Relient K as major influences. But here was also a tinge of blues in songs like Tango Tongue, and it’s been developed further in False Start.
Check out the song above, hear more from Retrosaint below, and join the congregation on their Facebook and Instagram.
