Mantrafox is the stage name of Robert Freemantle, a singer-songwriter from Southampton, United Kingdom.
“As a sufferer of depression myself,” Robert tells us, “it’s very important for me to be able to address mental health issues with my music. I’m Needing You, for example, is a song about longing for someone we can’t have. A situation I can relate to all too well.“
And it is precisely about “I’m Needing You” that we are talking about in this review.
Lyrics
When we meet face to face, I am speechless
And the words that spill out aren’t enough, no no no
Then you smile, I’ve forgotten to breathe in
And it seems that I’m needing you
Woo-hoo-hoo
Is this love or a crush? I have lost my mind on you. Yet I’m captive and helpless too.
It’s insane that my brain is so wired up for pain, and my heart says I’m needing you
And I fear I can’t face the hereafter
If my days don’t reflect time with you, no no no
I’d be lost in this world ever after
And I fear that I’m needing you
Do you really believe?
Do you really believe?
Do you really believe?
Do you really believe in this love?
There’s a place and I know I will be there
And I’m scared that you will be there too, yeah yeah yeah
If you say you will love me forever
Like a fool I’d believe in you
Woo-hoo-hoo
Is this love or a crush? I have lost my mind on you. Yet I’m captive and helpless too.
It’s insane that my brain is so wired up for pain, and my heart says I’m needing you
Musical Analysis
Sounds, similar to those of English music of the past (The Beatles come to mind), fresh, rhythmic, which contrasts enormously with a text that instead talks about darker aspects related to the desire and obsession that we can feel towards another person.
A courageous choice but one that I share, as I have done in some of our songs (for example “Should I Go On”) precisely because when a text speaks of emotions that can be so “heavy”, adding darkness even from the point of view of sound could make it all much more difficult to enjoy for the listener.
With the use of brighter tones, the message, however heavy, is received and listened to much more easily.
The voice is well recorded, every sound is mixed clearly, without any kind of contrast, and what comes out is like a painting with a dark theme but made in bright and vibrant colors.
Conclusion
I’m Needing You by Mantrafox is a song that really deals well with the theme of obsession with another person, and it does so with cheerful tones, allowing the message to be received with great lightness.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
All the best,
Luca
