New York City anti-folk veteran Seth David Branitz is officially back in the spotlight with his poignant new single, “Nitelite.” The track is a masterclass in mature, roots-driven songwriting, his monumental first standalone single after a storied 25-year career that includes five acclaimed full-length albums. Produced with Jack Petrocelli (of legendary tribute band The Fab Faux fame), the record showcases some of the absolute best studio musicians working in New York’s historic Hudson Valley, featuring a powerhouse lineup. With its detailed, sharp string work and expressive, story-telling style, the track possesses a deep emotional quality that immediately draws the listener in and sets a very personal tone from the first chords.
Sonically, “Nitelite” surrounds its heavy emotional center with a lush, beautifully textured acoustic arrangement that remains true to the raw, uncompromising spirit of the classic NYC anti-folk movement. The mix balance is well done with ample headroom for the vocals and a full natural low-end resonance from the acoustic body. Thematically, the song gets right into the messy, painful and confusing transitions that can happen in long term monogamous relationships over time. Rather than wallow in despair, the dynamic composition breezes along with light instrumental crescendos and tasteful melodic transitions that amp up the emotional effect of the chorus, which is anchored by the steady refrain, “My feet are planted by and by and either way we’re gonna try and leave the nitelite on.” It is a perfect and very moving testament to enduring partnership and master engineering craftsmanship.
