Vince Leigh’s Single Review: The Mirror by RIFF
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
In the sprawling landscape of contemporary indie rock/pop music, Australian artist RIFF bursts onto the scene with his latest single, The Mirror. This track is a deep dive into the turbulent waters of personal trauma, resilience, and the arduous journey to self-discovery. Eschewing the conventions of typical indie rock, The Mirror offers an unfiltered look at the artist’s ungilded experiences, particularly the emotional wreckage left by narcissistic abuse.
From the opening, The Mirror commands attention with its brooding, resonant guitars that seem to emerge from the very depths of RIFF’s being. Combined with rich, sweeping strings, the track crafts a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The arrangement makes the most of the melodic strengths and the drums are set back far enough in the mix to allow RIFF’s expressive vocals to dominate. RIFF’s voice, the beating heart of this track, radiates vulnerability and restrained power. He delivers his story with relatable nuances, inviting listeners to engage with their own reflections. RIFF explains, ‘The Mirror is a raw and brutally honest track that sheds light on narcissistic abuse, the journey to self-worth, and rising above past traumas. It’s also a reflection of the internal struggles we all face at some point in our lives, and I believe that anyone who has been through similar ordeals will find their own meaning in it.’
The track is a skilful and musical cathartic release. RIFF acknowledges, ‘By far my biggest source of inspiration is personal experiences. To say my personal background influences my music is a big understatement.’ This connection to his own history seems to infuse every melodic choice and the lyric, imbuing the track with a tangible emotional depth. In a time when music often feels commodified and impersonal, it’s satisfying to experience an artist’s raw, unvarnished emotion transformed into a convincing musical statement. The Mirror is a testament to the power of music to not only reflect our deepest wounds but also to illuminate the path to recovery. With this track, RIFF doesn’t just tell his story; he invites us to find our own.
