Brief, exhilarating songs about love… of course; Pop is founded upon such foundations, but in Matthew Adam Hart’s gifted hands our wonder and gleeful idiocy is laid out in rare, brilliant detail. Critics and the public alike have recognized in Hart one of the most impressive compositional minds to emerge in years. He is a talent simultaneously modest but mighty, plainspoken but rigorously intelligent, creating miniature electronic epics that sound as if they were spun from gold.
The Weight’s On The Wheels is a mighty accomplishment long-coming for Matthew Hart: The Russian Futurists have left the “bedroom-pop sound” genre they helped define and made an ambitious studio-produced monster pop record loaded with low end, depth, volume, and Hart’s heart-breaking voice atop the mountain of sounds. Produced by Hart with the aid of Michael Musmanno (Outkast, Lilys, Arrested Development), the fourth studio album exposes a polished pop finish that Russian Futurists fans have been begging for. The Weight’s On The Wheels will cast a wider net on fans to be captured by the Futurists pop regalia. Tracks like “Horseshoe Fortune” and “Register My Firearms? No Way!” reveal Hart’s trademark ability to turn a phrase with heart-wrenching lyrics that evoke cinematic imagery, and “One Night, One Kiss”, a sugary duet with Heavy Blinkers crooner Ruth Minnikin now peels away the reverb and synths that used to envelop him, revealing a soulful Hart across crystal clear soundscapes. The bad-ass slammer “100 Shopping Days ‘Til Christmas” both begs an advertising bidding war with it’s chorus “100 Shopping Days ‘Til Christmas and you’re the one thing on my wish list” and shows off Hart’s love for hip hop with the skill and complexity of his lyrical flow. “Hoeing Weeds Sowing Seeds”, mixed by Grammy Award Winner Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer, The Bravery) and the lead single, is a celebration explosion, a thumping and glorious beat with classic Matthew Hart triumphant vocals rising atop the electronic paradise. The album, ten tracks in total, is front to end the best songs we’ve yet heard by Matthew Adam Hart and a new exciting day has dawned for one of the greatest song writers Canada has produced.
The Russian Futurists have three internationally acclaimed releases under their belt, and in 2007 Me, Myself and Rye was released; the amalgam of The Futurists’ hottest songs assembled from their three previous albums, digitally re-mastered. The Russian Futurists international profile saw them become UK-label mates with The Go! Team and The Pipettes, spawn a whirlwind experience that put them on a UK tour with Peter, Bjorn & John, North American dates with long time friends Caribou and Junior Boys and playing to 10000 fans at the Mada Festival in Brazil, while receiving acclaim and praise from the likes of NME, Clash, Spin, Time Out London, BBC, and X-FM. All the while producer-songwriter singer Matt Hart was remixing the likes of Stars, Sloan, Sally Shapiro, Dykehouse, Shout Out Louds, and Cadence Weapon.
Born and bred in the cold and lonely Ontario, border-town of Cornwall, and raised on hockey [“loving the Leafs is like being in love with a terrible woman”] Matt found comfort in the simplicity of AM Radio. “There are songs that were produced to sound like they belonged there. I used to sit up at night and drink a bottle of red wine and listen to AM to get inspired. My roommates used to think I was kind of a weirdo when they would walk into my room at 2 am and find me drunk listening to ‘Buttons & Bows’. I would like to end up on AM when I’m old and grey.”
Surprisingly, Hart’s roots as a producer and arranger lie not in Pop. “I was a compulsive Hip Hop producer from age 13 to 19,” he admits, “and would finish a completed Hip Hop track, from start to finish, every day after school” This interest is still evident in the Russian Futurists’ electronic rhythms, but a passion for the Pop music of his childhood (Abbey Road was a prominent obsession) is the heart of The Russian Futurists. “When I eventually began to try to make music other than beats it wasn’t my intention to make Pop. It just came out. I felt I was being stifled by Hip Hop and wanted to experiment with melody.”
Hart constructs his songs under the ongoing influence of Phil Spector, Brian Wilson “He showed me that Pop was able to be listenable and experimental at the same time.” Honesty shines through in all of The Russian Futurists’ songs – all the more remarkable for them having been conceived in Matthew Hart’s bedroom. Hart cheekily describes his sound as a result of “trying to make all of my songs huge, ambitious productions on very limiting and awful equipment.”
Glowsticks
The Russian Futurists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
You might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
I hate being complacent,
Vacant, inundated with softness how
Everything i do's aimless
Gainless without being painless now
It's gold silver and stainless
It's a cover for brainlessness and loud
And you can claim that it's reckless
Bet this; that this is a field to plow
You tell me that it's pointless, quit stressing, start counting your blessings, sir
Development arrested, time tested, it's a salient message too
You can reach out and grab it it, that's real and all we had is a blur
You'll disappoint everybody, but that's what you're doomed to do
I might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
You might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
I can't help but write about you, and i doubt you'll notice through
This half-romantic, half-frantic 'cause I'll always be your fool
And act jealous about it, though it's hellish to be so crushed
I really like the old you, the new you's the cold you, you're so morose
Without a candle to hold to, I'm a beached ship, lost in a coat of rust
I hate that I'm complacent
Vacant inundated with softness how
Everything i do' s aimless
Gainless without being painless now
It's gold silver and stainless
It's a cover for brainlessness and loud
And you can claim that it's reckless
Bet this, that this is a field to plow
The lyrics of "Glowsticks" by The Russian Futurists delve into the complexities of love, self-awareness, and emotional vulnerability. The repetition of the lines emphasizes a longing for recognition and connection, illustrating a relationship that thrives in the shadows rather than in the light of day. The metaphor of a glowstick suggests that, like these neon objects that only reveal their brilliance in darkness, the relationship flourishes under candid circumstances. This imagery creates a contrast between the bright life that love can offer and the obscured reality of being unable to fully express those emotions in the open, leading to a sense of urgency in wanting the other person to recognize what’s happening between them.
The juxtaposition of light and darkness is a pivotal theme throughout the song. It underscores the idea that true connections may often occur in secrecy, away from societal scrutiny, where individuals can express themselves authentically without judgment. The phrase "get it crackin' like glowsticks" alludes to the excitement and energy shared between the two individuals when they come together, suggesting a vibrancy that may not be recognized or appreciated by those who view their relationship from the outside. This sense of exhilarating intensity contrasts sharply with the feelings of complacency and aimlessness that the singer describes, highlighting a dichotomy of passion and stagnation within their emotional landscape.
As the lyrics transition into introspection, the singer grapples with feelings of vacancy and fear of being unremarkable. The mention of being "inundated with softness" encapsulates a desire for emotional edginess and depth against a backdrop of mundane existence. This yearning is paired with a sense of frustration over personal stagnation and failure to reach societal expectations. The singer's awareness of their shortcomings creates a complicated layer of self-critique—acknowledging that they might disappoint others while simultaneously confronting the futility of their attempts to measure up. This struggle reflects a broader human experience of grappling with personal demons alongside the desire for meaningful connections, intensifying the weight of their emotional journey.
In the concluding verses, there is a raw vulnerability as the singer ponders the past and present dynamics of love, reminiscing about the old version of the person they adore. This moment encapsulates a longing for the simpler, more joyful times contrasted with a current sense of disappointment and detachment. The reference to being a "beached ship, lost in a coat of rust," powerfully alludes to feelings of stagnation—where the spark of life and love has been dulled, leaving behind an empty shell. Through candid admissions of jealousy and the duality of romantic and frantic emotions, the singer illustrates the complexities of holding on to someone when feelings shift, and the yearning to reconnect with the genuine essence of their partner becomes bittersweet. Ultimately, "Glowsticks" embodies a raw emotional journey, bridging joy and despair through the intricacies of love, self-identity, and the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
I might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
I may have developed emotions for you, anticipating that you might be unaware of this.
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
Our connection thrives in secrecy and hidden depths, much like the way glowsticks only shine when activated.
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
Our destined bond is clear, especially to you, suggesting an unspoken understanding.
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
Our time together is vibrant and explosive, mirroring the excitement of glowsticks when they are shaken.
You might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
You may also have developed emotions for me, even if you haven’t acknowledged them yet.
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
Our relationship functions best in obscurity, similar to how a glowstick needs darkness to reveal its brilliance.
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
It is clear that our fates are intertwined, something you are aware of deep down.
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
Our interactions light up and become lively, just like the activation of a glowstick brings it to life.
I hate being complacent,
I despise feeling stagnant and comfortable without striving for more.
Vacant, inundated with softness how
I feel empty, overwhelmed by a softness that renders me inactive.
Everything I do's aimless
All of my actions feel directionless and without purpose.
Gainless without being painless now
I am achieving nothing, yet still feeling the accompanying pain of stagnation.
It's gold silver and stainless
These superficial appearances may seem polished and valuable, but they mask deeper issues.
It's a cover for brainlessness and loud
This façade disguises a lack of substance and a chaos that’s hard to ignore.
And you can claim that it's reckless
One might argue that my actions are impulsive or foolish.
Bet this; that this is a field to plow
However, know that this chaotic situation presents opportunities for growth and exploration.
You tell me that it's pointless, quit stressing, start counting your blessings, sir
You advise me to stop worrying and to focus on the positives in my life instead.
Development arrested, time tested, it's a salient message too
Our progress has stalled, but there is a significant lesson to be learned from this experience.
You can reach out and grab it it, that's real and all we had is a blur
Opportunities are within reach, but everything we’ve experienced together feels hazy and unclear.
You'll disappoint everybody, but that's what you're doomed to do
Inevitably, you will let others down because this seems to be a recurring theme in your life.
I might have caught feelings just in case you don't notice
Once more, I admit my growing emotions for you, highlighting the possibility you remain oblivious.
The only way we work is in the dark like a glowstick
Reiterating that our relationship thrives in secrecy, needing hidden spaces to truly illuminate.
We're meant to be together, baby girl and you know this
It’s evident that we are destined to be united in some way, a truth you have acknowledged.
When we're hanging out we get it crackin' like glowsticks
Again, our moments together spark excitement and energy similar to a glowstick’s activation.
I can't help but write about you, and I doubt you'll notice through
I feel compelled to express my feelings for you through my writing, unsure if you will ever realize it.
This half-romantic, half-frantic 'cause I'll always be your fool
My feelings are a mixture of romantic longing and frantic emotions, reflecting my willingness to be vulnerable.
My locked jaw and tightened mouth, I take pills talk shite and write about us
I struggle to express myself, resorting to medication while I write about my feelings towards us.
And act jealous about it, though it's hellish to be so crushed
I find myself feeling envious, despite the anguish that such feelings bring me.
I really like the old you, the new you's the cold you, you're so morose
I miss the person you used to be, as the current version feels distant and melancholic.
Without a candle to hold to, I'm a beached ship, lost in a coat of rust
Lacking guidance and hope, I feel stranded and deteriorating like a ship stuck on land.
I hate that I'm complacent
Once again, I express my disdain for my inactivity and contentment with the status quo.
Vacant inundated with softness how
Revisiting the feeling of emptiness and being overwhelmed by the lack of intensity in my existence.
Everything I do's aimless
Reaffirming my sense of directionlessness in all my pursuits.
Gainless without being painless now
I acknowledge that I am achieving nothing, yet still experiencing the discomfort of my stasis.
It's gold silver and stainless
The superficial allure of this situation belies the deeper emptiness and lack of real substance.
It's a cover for brainlessness and loud
This distraction masks my lack of depth and the overwhelming noise in my life.
And you can claim that it's reckless
You might judge this behavior as impulsive or unwise.
Bet this, that this is a field to plow
Still, I assert that within all this chaos lies potential for personal growth and discovery.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Matthew Hart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind