Murdo Mitchell: ‘Should’ve Done It Better’ is raw, folk-laden gold
Murdo Mitchell
In the crowded landscape of indie-folk, it’s refreshing to encounter an artist who can strip away the pretence and deliver raw, unfiltered emotion. Murdo Mitchell does just that with his latest single, ‘Should’ve Done It Better’, a punchy, introspective track that clocks in at a mere two and a half minutes.
From the opening notes, Mitchell’s distinctive voice grabs you by the collar and demands attention. There are subtle hints Paolo Nutini and Dylan John Thomas in his vocal timbre , but the delivery is uniquely Mitchell’s own – a blend of grit and vulnerability that perfectly suits the song’s theme of post-relationship reflection. What’s striking about ‘Should’ve Done It Better’ is its brevity. Mitchell eschews the typical verse-chorus-bridge structure, opting instead for a direct, no-frills approach. It’s a bold choice that pays off, allowing the emotional core of the song to hit home without any unnecessary padding. However, the track’s brevity is a double-edged sword. While it’s refreshing to hear a song that doesn’t overstay its welcome, one can’t help but wish for a little more. Just as you’re fully immersed in Mitchell’s world, the song ends, leaving you craving another verse or chorus.
‘Should’ve Done It Better’ strikes a delicate balance between Mitchell’s folk roots and a more polished indie sound. The production is crisp and modern, but never at the expense of the song’s raw emotional impact. It’s a testament to Mitchell’s growth as an artist, showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to his musical origins. Lyrically, Mitchell doesn’t pull any punches. The song’s introspective narrative feels deeply personal, yet universally relatable. It’s the kind of honest self-reflection that we’ve all experienced in the wake of a failed relationship, articulated with a poet’s precision.
The latest single serves as an intriguing preview of Mitchell’s upcoming EP, Cheap Hotels. If this single is any indication, listeners can expect a collection of songs that are both intensely personal and broadly appealing. It’s a promising taste of what’s to come, and a compelling reason to keep an ear out for the EP when it drops in September.