MacGregor Burns could be a character out of an upcoming Harmony Korine film. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has held many odd jobs outside of making music: a Hollywood tour guide, pet relocation specialist, substitute teacher, and water polo referee. Directors have found his overall presence so character-driven that it has led to his being cast in several music videos, including those for Moby, Mac Miller, and Injury Reserve.
On his new Luke Temple-produced single, “Let Yourself Go,” Burns makes the simplistic feel stadium-sized via raw emotions, subtle grooves, and bluesy tendencies. With a modern flair, the artist brings nostalgic blues to modern times with a folk-rock jam with no bells or whistles. The bass-driven ballad glistens under the warping, wonky basslines, only to reveal a level of heartbreak that can melt the most stoic man into a puddle. By allowing the twisting bassline to lead the instrumentation, the emotions Burns is conveying become even more palpable. The poetic lyrics come alive through the stunning vocal performance, with infectious melodies and soulful undertones that create a slow, dancing sensation and ease the hurt explored in the songwriting. “Let Yourself Go” is a moving single from Burns’s upcoming LP that is slated to be released this Fall.
