By Eleanor Cruz, Contributor 

[Men I Trust; 2024]

Rating: 7/10

On September 10, Men I Trust released a new single, titled “Husk.” They announced it on Instagram two days prior to releasing it. The Canadian band’s indie style is hard to pin down in terms of genre. The songs found on their Untourable Album are often atmospheric and instrumental, closer to dream pop. However, songs like “Say, Can You Hear” and “Ring of Past” are far more upbeat, leaning towards pop. 

Beginning with two upbeat guitar tracks and a drum track, the song is pop-y. My first thought is that it resembles something closer to one of Shelly’s songs, or a song from Clairo’s new album, Charm. The beat is catchy; it leans toward pop, the genre that seemed to take us by storm this summer. Overall, the introduction was very compelling. Then, the iconic voice of Emma Proulx chimes in and swoops you back into the band’s iconic dreamy atmosphere. 

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Her voice is hard to distinguish, but upon analysis of the lyrics the song seems to be an exploration of a relationship. The band’s lyrics seem more complex and obscure, opting for abstract poeticism. I mean, who uses the word “lest” in the modern era? The lyrics are pretty interesting in analysis. Each interpretation is subjective, mine is far from developed but this is a working theory on the lyrical meaning of Men I Trust’s “Husk:”

The song begins with a picture of “[c]ommotion” while trying to maintain “composure.” This seems to be an introduction to a tumultuous relationship with a “shark-bitten man” who is “alone and raw,” hurt by the world and vulnerable. 

The titular line, “Erosion, shadow be thy husk” could be interpreted many ways. Husks are protective shells around fruit and seeds, yes. But, husks are not only protective. In searching the relationship between husks and erosion, it turns out coconut husks prevent erosion in soil. Could this be the metaphor? This man who is already “shark-bitten” and “raw” uses shadow, obscurity and darkness to prevent succumbing to further harm at the hands of others. He severs his relationships to prevent being hurt any further. 

Essentially, I read these lyrics as an appeal to someone who is pushing her away. Deep in depression, he is distancing from loved ones to protect himself. Yet, she tries to maintain a relationship with him despite the tumult. His darkness, his “husk,” is a defense mechanism. 

The song ends with one last line, “As shadows dance on canvas walls / [w]orn in a tent, the quiet calls.” Once again, I turned back to my biblical research. In Exodus, a tent is symbolic of a meeting place for conversation. Essentially, I gather she is worn out in this conversation, this relationship. She is being beckoned by the peace of quiet. This push and pull between the “commotion” and “quiet” is her ultimate struggle in this relationship. 

Initially, I would have given this song a 6; I didn’t love the contrast between the clear, strong beat and the dreamy, obscure vocals. I felt like they maybe clashed. But, upon looking at the lyrics (though I by no means think I have a full grasp of them), I was entertained by their complexity. I always love a good biblical reference, or any obscure reference at all. Why not send me searching on the internet to discover that coconut husks prevent soil erosion? For the lyrical complexity, I’ll give the song a 7 overall. This song has shown me that a key part of appreciating Men I Trust is engaging with their complex lyricism. 

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/track/0iMSUfh4oQplV5OrmrlIbm?si=c1adfe6741ef4240&nd=1&dlsi=fcc3a72322b84722