Having debuted in 2014 with No Time To Lose, 27th April 2023 saw Ransom and the Subset unveil the sublime sophomore Perfect Crimes. Anyhow this impeccable group are based in Seattle, Washington, the frontman/ brain child behind the name is RanDair Porter who is not only an superb singer but he also writes his own material.
Recently I’ve been introduced to this amazing act, the phenomenal Perfect Crime single hooked me to the point where I delved into the debut album, last month they unleashed Sara Kandi and this being an enthalling treat which left me anticipating the brand new record. I’ve had that LP on a loop and it’s an addictive blend of pop meets rock which worked wonders.
Perfect Crime: This was the first single lifted from this record and it served as my introduction to Ransom and the Subset. Well Perfect Crimewas pop punk and it was reminiscent of the likes of Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan. Everything about this original was pure perfection, those vibrant vocals had me envisioning Jaret Reddick, the whole intrumentation arrangement was easy on the ear and then you had fun and carefree lyrical content centred on the topic of love. To be more exact Perfect Crime revolved around having a crush, as your feelings are so strong you would do anything to please her whether if it’s right or wrong.
Sara Kandi: I’ve listened to this track an awful lot of times and once again it’s an addictive slice of pop meets rock. Now you had a blissful sun blushed melody, Porter’s vocal tones were a literal breath of fresh air whilst those story telling lyrics had been perfectly penned. Sara Kandi told the story of infactuation and forming an imaginary relationship in your head (as this song progressed you realise that the age difference makes it a no go).
Left Her At The Shinkansen: I found this tantalising tune to be rather hypnotic. Left Her At The Shinkansan was pure pop perfection, you had the blitzing melody, Porter’s vibrant vocals were a breath of fresh air whist the lyrical content offered an imaginative narrative of a couple whose paths never quite meet. Set in Japan, this outstanding original painted a picture of leaving a woman waiting at the Shinkansan (bullet train) station waiting for someone who never arrives. Maybe this is the first meeting IRL and nerves got the better hence why the woman was stood up.
Meet You Again: Radiating plenty of rock goodness, Meet You Again was an enchanting 4 minutes that’s been perfectly crafted. The gorgeous instrumentation resonated plenty of 70s vibes, those vocals were rather light / addictive whilst those whimsical words told the cutesy story of love and then you had the sadness when they go seperate ways. But there is hope that the stars will re allign as RanDair mentions how he’ll meet the person again.
Bring Him Home: Inspired by the story of when his brother went missing in Mexico, Bring Him Home was a toe tapping treat which again gave off plenty of 70s rock vibes. Those harmonies were literally flawless and if I was to sum up the compelling content in one word it woud have to be uplifting. RanDair truly knows how to pen a song perfectly.
One Last Thing (Leaving): Plenty of 60s vibes flowed from this wondrous track, the majestic melody was easy on the ear, Porter’s dazzling delivery was a dreamy delight whilst the captivating content unfortunately told the story of how a couples spark has faded. Whilst it isn’t clear how this couple have gone seperate ways, I’m assuming the guy struggles to express how much the girl means to him and she has had enough hence why she’s leaving. Then the one last thing is the guys final stand and he’ll spill out how he actually feels in hope the decision will be reversed. Layers of background vocals were actually provided by Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints, Brian Wilson) and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Blink 182, Beck).
Don’t Remember What Was Her Name: Firstly this addictive track featured guest Eric Ambel (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) on the guitar. My thoughts on this number are positive ones, Don’t Remember What Her Was Name was a quirky pop jam which had me hooked on every single word. Those vibrant vocals were succuently sweet whilst the whimsical lyrical content painted a picture of liking a girl but her name escapes you. All in all this was a feel good tune and I’m sure plenty of people can relate because someone may look familiar but you cannot place the name “I said “Dang!” she looked and I had to turn away/ I couldn’t think of anything to say/ Now here I’m racking my brain/ Cuz I don’t remember what was her name!”.
Should Have Said Nothing At All: I found this to be a bright and breezy song which was delivered to perfection. Everything about this was on point, you had a toe tapping melody, Porter’s vocals were enchanting whilst those words had a crystal cear narrative. It actually had me envisioning a demanding partner, he then refuses her request and then regrets his actions as he’s in the doghouse “He didn’t mean it, what was he thinking, had to be so bold/ Needed to spread his words right out on the carpet/ Now that she’s upset he don’t get a second chance/ Should have said nothing at all”.
Time In A Tunnel: Time in a Tunnel told the story of making tough decisions for the people you love and holding on to those secrets until they rot “It’s a choice, I’ll defend, you mess with what I love, I’d do it all again/ But its killing me, they learn eventually”.
Fast Car: Now this pop track was a fast paced romp which enthralled me till the very end. Packed with a catchy chorus and entrancing verses, Fast Car was a pop anthem in the making which documented an arguement followed by the realisation you don’t want to loose that one person from your life “It was a hot night, a hard fight, I left real mad in my brothers car/ And I drove to the nearest bar/ If had a big house, I’d forget it/ If I had a fast car, I’d just wreck it/ Because nothing means nothing if I lose my baby today”.
Perfect Crimes is available from iTunes (USA/ UK) or Bandcamp
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