The opening track of Arliston’s forthcoming album Disappointment Machine, 'What Did I Think Would Happen', sets the stage for an emotionally gripping journey. With a subtle yet powerful introduction, this song gently leads listeners into a world of unrequited love, filled with intimacy and quiet devastation. The track's clicks and whirs evoke the nostalgic feel of inserting a VHS tape into a VCR, signalling the beginning of a story that feels both cinematic and deeply personal—like the somber prelude to a film where the aftermath of heartbreak is inevitable.
Jack Ratcliffe’s vocals here are strikingly raw, vulnerable, and restrained, wrapped in an analog warmth that is both comforting and fragile. The repeating piano melody forms the emotional backbone of the song, while the soft, almost whispered delivery of the lyrics hints at a guarded heart still grappling with its scars. There’s no screaming or dramatic outpouring of emotion here; instead, the song embraces a delicate tenderness, making the pain beneath its surface all the more palpable.
“This is one of my favourite songs on the album. We captured something that was very raw and at the same time feels gentle and intimate. It’s one of the hardest things to do: capture a strong emotion without screaming and shouting. But, with this one we managed to very lightly hold this poignant thing in the palm of the hand and express it with not much more than a whisper".
The authenticity of ‘What Did I Think Would Happen’ is amplified by the decision to keep much of the track's production centred around first-take ideas. There’s a sense of spontaneity and honesty that courses through the song’s veins, as if the emotions were so urgent they had to be recorded immediately. As George explains, the process became "an exercise in restraint," adding and stripping away layers of production until the balance was just right. The final result preserves the intimacy of the track, maintaining a spell that draws listeners closer with every note.
As the song closes, we are left with a heart-rending silence—a moment that feels like the end of the first scene, leaving us eager for the rest of Disappointment Machine to unfold. 'What Did I Think Would Happen' is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, a testament to Arliston’s ability to craft music that is as delicate as it is profound.
Watch the video for 'What Did I Think Would Happen' here:
Stream 'What Did I Think Would Happen' in full here:
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