Montreal’s very own Francis Rainville, known better by his stage name Frank City, has just dropped a poignant single that resonates deep within the core of our collective consciousness. An acclaimed guitar player and back vocalist of the rock band THIRD PLACE, Rainville has taken a step into the limelight with his solo project, Frank City. Diving deep into personal struggles, he crafts lyrics that echo the universal yearning for change in a world gone astray.
If there’s one thing that encapsulates the essence of Frank City, it’s his multifaceted musical influences. Pulling from rock giants like Muse, Green Day, and Queen, Rainville also incorporates nuances from pop rock, classical, and jazz. The result? A harmonious blend of catchy melodies, punchy drums, and introspective lyrics that beckon for a revolution.
With his latest release, “Lights Out,” Frank City ventures into the maelstrom of modern society’s desensitization. A reflection of his feelings on the current state of the world, especially post-pandemic, this track sheds light on the looming shadows of corruption, the numbness people feel amidst recurring tragedies, and the pursuit of fame and fortune at the cost of one’s soul.
Describing his sound, Frank City says, “My sound is a blend of pop and rock.” The rock elements shine through in the powerful drums and bass, intertwined with lyrical calls for change. Meanwhile, the pop characteristics present themselves in the form of catchy vocals and the integration of modern digital instruments. It’s as if he’s painting a vibrant musical landscape where listeners can lose themselves and find hope all at once.
The accompanying music video for “Lights Out” promises to be a departure from the norm. Teaming up with Antoni Pâquet, who’s known for his work with THIRD PLACE, Frank City wanted something raw and personal. Drawing inspiration from the introspective nature of some Billie Eilish videos, they opted for a more intimate setting — Rainville’s own bedroom. It’s a bold move that perfectly complements the song’s theme, making the experience both personal and relatable.
At its core, “Lights Out” isn’t just a song — it’s a plea, a beacon, and a rallying cry. It’s Frank City’s call for unity, for humanity to come together and rewrite its narrative before it’s too late. As he succinctly puts it, the song stands as a symbol of “the loss of humanity’s moral compass.”
With artists like Frank City daring to bare their souls and use their platforms to inspire change, there’s hope on the horizon. Perhaps through these musical revolutions, real-world revelations might just be possible.
