A rather personal and meaningful piece, ‘Justin’s Funeral’ feels both light and intense, a snapshot of a nostalgic memory wrapped into a bright and hazy musical contour. Taken from Hand Gestures’ upcoming self-titled debut album, the song follows head honcho Brian Russ as he uncovers a deep yet quirky teenage memory, a moment in time deeply tied to his path as a musician. Founder of Brooklyn-based label Camper Rule Records, the experienced creative enjoys the current project as a welcome return to songwriting, something that’s crucial and needed on a personal level.
Overall, ‘Justin’s Funeral’ is a pretty good record, a slice of gentle, hazy indie prowess with a keen psychedelic component to it. Yet, what really drives the single forward is Russ’s malleable and hopeful vocal tone, here delivered with a certain casual character. It’s an approachable, easy-going effort, the kind of record that’s made for everyone; heartwarming and melodic, ‘Justin’s Funeral’ is bound to connect with a large audience out there.
Delving deeper into the inspiration behind the song, Brian explains: “One of the memories that came back to me was my friend Phil enlisted as a pallbearer for Justin’s funeral, and I remember asking him if the casket felt heavy, and he said ‘10 guys on one casket and the thing feels pretty light.’ That statement felt very profound to me. Still kind of gives me chills to this day.”
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