Pretoria – “Gently” [Song Review]

Following 2019’s Cape Town (which The Alternative Feed lauds as “All the best parts of mid-2000’s alt-rock…combined with a more updated, refined indie sound”), Pretoria is sprucing up holiday radio waves with the delicate soft-rock jam “Gently,” that’s bound to warm your heart and melt it at the same time.

The Christmas-tinted single that’s reminiscent of the teeny-bopper style of the ’60s band era draws listeners in with universal lyrics about forlorn love and estranged romance that can put a damper on the holiday spirit. “Gently” is musically adorned with gentle notes of rich, upbeat guitar strums accompanied by hypnotic percussion beats. The track is layered with smooth, dreamy jazz chords that invigorate and illuminate this piece with soothing energy.

It is pure musical medicine!

Although the swoon-worthy sound of Rob Gullett’s lead vocals sings like a ballad, the song itself is one that you can (gently) rock out to! It’s what happens when COIN and a Latin wedding band musically fuse together. The song is quite unlike mainstream records out now; however, it does have hints of 2019’s steamy smash hit, “Senorita” (Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello), melded into its bewitching composition.

Rob Gullet’s lead vocals contribute largely to what makes “Gently” a healing elixir for broken-hearted listeners. He delivers lyrics like “… I’ll just have to keep on acting / As if it’s all right now” and “I’m a long way from accepting that we can’t have a happy ending” with calming conviction. The peppy, poppy sounds that underscore the sorrowful lyrics are quite ironic.

Though the melodies are high-spirited, the song’s message is a chilling reminder that the glamour of the holidays doesn’t always put a bandage on emotional wounds. If anything, the winter season can conjure up painful emotional relics from various shades of past relationships. Yet, the song is addictingly pleasing!

“Gently” is a must-have addition to your 2019 holiday playlist! Pairs perfectly with warm hot cocoa and a mini holiday bop session with your favourite pals.

Run Time: 3:32
Release Date: November 23, 2019
Record Label: Self-Release