“Restrain” introduces itself as a vocals-driven single. The accompanying instruments at the start are gentle, particularly the skillfully played acoustic guitar. A hint that the electric guitar will play a significant role is dropped at 0:40, when a high pitch guitar becomes increasingly noticeable. But it isn’t until 1:29 that Dessie Magee unleashes the guitar layering that characterizes his sound. And it’s not until 3:34 that “Restrain” temporarily becomes a turbulent whirlpool of guitar. It was his voice which generated a magnetic force that initially drew us to “Restrain;” then the guitars caused our attention to enter into an orbit around the single.
The lyrical message also deserves praise. The lyrics are included at the bottom of this post. Dessie Magee explains:
“’Restrain’ is about the discipline we all sometimes lack, some more than others. It's about watching someone you care about not looking after themselves or being aware of why you yourself may be going down the wrong path.”
The bio of Dessie Magee is surprising, since it states that he has had difficulty with his voice. Quoting the bio:
Brighton based Dessie Magee, hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Growing up Dessie found it difficult staying out of trouble and avoiding regular run-ins with the police. Eventually he began singing in the heavy music scene, a well timed saving grace and positive outlet. But, over this resulted in Dessie having to undergo major throat surgery, a result of which he was unable to speak for months after. Despite the injury, Dessie was determined to pursue his musical career and after a long period of rehabilitation he began learning to speak again, and eventually was able to sing again.
Many people in this situation would rule out a future in music but his persistence and passion for music gave him the ambition to strive for success and begin his new journey. With a diverse musical background and a new found resilience, Dessie’s music took a completely different direction.
For information as to the “Restrain” EP, visit:
“Restrain” by Dessie Magee
“Life Design” by Dessie Magee
How can you let a house like this hold you down?
How can you breathe when all you ever do is drown?
All that it means is you cannot restrain yourself
These walls give you peace, but do they have your back
You fell to knees by the window you smashed
We all can see, you’re giving in
If you reach your destination, then you’re comfortable in your own skin
Breathe out, breathe in, fade out, fade in
Breathe out, breathe in, fade out
All of this means you don't know yourself
All of this means you can’t control yourself
We all can see you don’t love yourself
What’s wrong with love? Two white liars
They’re all giving up, too young to retire
It’s clear to see you’re giving in
If you reach your destination, then you’re comfortable in your own skin
Breathe out, breathe in, fade out, fade in
Breathe out, breathe in, fade out, fade in
Breathe out, fade in, fade out
All of this means you don't know yourself
All of this means you can’t control yourself
We all can see you don’t love yourself
How can you let a house like this hold you down?
How can you breathe when all you ever do is drown?
All that it means is that you’re giving in,