Single Review: This Ain’t The End

At only nineteen years old, Dunedin up-and-comer Ben Horlock has plenty to say about the world on his fresh release This Ain’t The End. Recorded at Parachute Studios, it’s a gripping track blending elements of pop, indie, trap and folk into one striking commercial concoction.

The single is initially controlled by a simple acoustic guitar riff which quickly gives way into sweltering harmonies and electronic percussion. Whilst all the separate elements would seem wildly different from each other, they come together to make something incredibly emotive and cohesive. The mix is clean and powerful, with a great understanding of dynamic range, and it’s laden with small melodic hooks to flesh out the sound.

Horlock’s lyrics are earnest, covering mental health struggles, the power of support between friends, and the agony of heartbreak. Whilst they do frequently lean on cliché, such as the prominent metaphor of drowning in emotional pain, elsewhere Horlock’s blunt delivery and simplicity feels more personalised. It’s truly the sweeping melodies that give the lines their edge. There is stunning expressivity in this performance.

Ben Horlock presents his lyrical songwriting as his greatest strength, but This Ain’t The End also makes it entirely fair to say his sonic direction is another unique standout piece of the persona. If this song is anything to go by, we’ll be glad to know this ain’t the end of his career in music, either.