Today, we are going to be looking at the brand-new song and video from Mirrors on the Moon, titled “Don’t Panic.” The band’s latest single is an esoteric love letter from singer Donny Dykowsky to his wife during the COVID-19 lockdown.
As an esoteric song, obviously, we as listeners are probably not going to be able to pick up on all of the inside references or hidden meanings. But that’s the great thing about music: more often than not, it is open to interpretation. Because when it comes to something that has a deeper and more personal meaning to the artist, it’s something we may never get or understand.
I like to think about what his royal badness, Prince, said about this. Known for his creative genius he allowed his music to be open to interpretation by listeners. He mentioned in interviews that he didn’t like to explain the meaning behind his songs because he wanted people to find their own personal connections to the music. He believed that the beauty of art, including music, lay in its ability to evoke different emotions and experiences in each person.
There are some lyrics which make the message absolutely and irrefutably abundantly clear, but even then, it will go over some folk’s heads. For example, at this point, we’ve had no shortage of a silver spoon politician awkwardly dancing to an unlicensed version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” a song about children of influential families who were able to avoid the Vietnam War draft.
But as for “Don’t Panic,” I feel like this is the kind of track that speaks to all of us and some of the things we had to deal with during the pandemic and really life in general. To me, when it comes to the chorus, the message of staying calm and present resonates strongly. The phrase “Don’t panic, just breathe, just be here with me” offers solace and support, encouraging us all to find comfort in the company of loved ones during times of turmoil. The repetition of “just breathe” may also serve as a reminder to practice mindfulness and take things one step at a time.
And in an era of constantly evolving music, it’s always great to stumble upon a song that encapsulates the essence of legends like The Beatles and David Bowie in production, which is where Donny draws inspiration for the production on this track. The song is a slow and mellow track, filled with a sing-along chorus and a melody which transports you back to the era of albums like Ziggy Stardust, with hazy guitar sounds, groove-infused melodies, and vintage touch. The production quality of the song is undeniably top-notch, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail, the use of modern recording techniques with vintage-inspired elements strikes a perfect balance.
The song opens with just a simple key press that repeats throughout most of the track. Its enchanting soundscape is further enriched by the presence of hazy guitar sounds that float throughout the song and create a cool and dreamy atmosphere. The bass here is not just a passive background instrument; it takes on an active role, driving the rhythm and that groove that I love, by adding a strong foundation to the entire composition. The vocal delivery is both soothing and introspective, mixing soul with a classic rock tone.
As for the music video, it’s another brilliantly done product by director Adam Reeves. It shows us looking through the pupil of a blinking eye, and with each blink we are treated with something terrifying, or completely wholesome. It matches up with the overall vibe and theme of the song very well.
The song is a blast from the past with a modern feel while lyrically it offers a reminder of the significance of truth, vulnerability, and love in navigating through uncertain times. Its deeply personal and heartfelt nature allows it to transcend its esoteric origins, making it a relatable and touching tribute to love and companionship during challenging periods. Again, another great track from this new outfit, and we await where they take us next.