Franklin – Tiny Chairs (2025)
Following a slew of live dates, US-based group Franklin takes their commanding stage presence to the recording studio, creating music to transcend that boundary between live shows and listening at home; it just disappears in immersive melodies. This is my introduction to Franklin, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with each member of the fivesome bringing diverse influences to the mix. The result: well, let’s dive into their new single, ‘Tiny Chairs’, and we’ll find out together.
The third single in their discography, Franklin stomp into 2025 with ‘Tiny Chairs’. As with the alternative rock-infused 2024 tracks ‘B.A.T.O.F’ and ‘Bebby’, ‘Tiny Chairs’ hits you with full force between the eyes. Scorching guitars, a throbbing bass, and crashing drums meet Kevin Hillick’s vocals with a brash attitude ala 90s rock. The thing is, as much as there is force behind the melody, the arrangement captures angst and chaos, as well as vulnerability, in a soothing, almost lingering, angular serenity.
‘Tiny Chairs’ is a rollercoaster of emotion and sound. The kaleidoscopic waves ebb and flow, oscillating between a harmonic cluster of instruments to a pounding rush of madness where Luke Fleming (lead guitar), Bailey McEvoy (rhythm guitar), Jamie McClug (bass), and Matthew McMullan (drums) demand individual attention… and then they all fuse in symphonic unity. It’s like ripping off the band-aid to an open wound, but still tending it with care and concern.
Melodically, ‘Tiny Chairs’ offers weight and heaviness from the bold instruments to the vocal execution, acting like a friend hugging you while still laying bare life’s tragedy. Lyrically, the track expands more profoundly. Hillick explains:
“The lyrics mainly revolve around suffering with multiple mental illnesses and all the things people will say or do to try to make you feel better. I’d heard so many wild suggestions and opinions from people when I told them that I suffered from ADHD or depression… I’ve suffered with mental health issues for most of my life, and when I was younger had the attention of a goldfish, so I became quite a distraction in class… So, they would send me to this random room to do activities while the rest of the class did math. I just always remembered they had the tiniest chairs.”
In addition to the single, Franklin released an official music video for ‘Tiny Chairs’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Franklin on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify.
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