[Jambrains]

I've been away for quite some time, mainly due to some renovation work in the house that forced me to pack up the studio. I did continue to write though and now when the studio is at least partly operational again I managed to record one of the new songs.
@MonnoDB was (as always <3 ) a great help when working out the lyrics but also contributed some fab vocals towards the end.



In the heartland where the fields stretch for miles
I'm back in my hometown chasing distant smiles
In the stillness of the streets, a silent refrain,
Echoes of a life now lost, haunting in its strain.
And throughout my journey the wind builds a song
It carries me back, to the place I once belonged

I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, tracing footsteps of the past
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, chasing shadows I once cast
Through the fields of yesteryears, I will gently find my way
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, where my dreams were made

The old oak on Main Street stands solid and strong
Its roots ever deeper, mine seem to be gone
I can’t tell what’s different, but nothing’s the same
I’d hoped to feel grounded, but I’m weighed down instead
This journey to source has all been in vain
Just shows what I’ve lost, what I won’t feel again
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, tracing footsteps of the past
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, chasing shadows I once cast
Through the fields of yesteryears, I will gently find my way
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, where my dreams were made

A letter unsent, a call never made
There was always tomorrow until it was too late
I want to believe there’s a chance for me still
To turn ember to spark, if there’s a way, there’s a will

I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, tracing footsteps of the past
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, chasing shadows I once cast
Through the fields of yesteryears, I will gently find my way
I'm a pilgrim in my hometown, where my dreams were made

[calafinestrat]

@Jambrains 
That's a great song, very professional production, well done.
 I particularly like the way you've used the left and right stereo
 tracks to split the guitars (must try that) Like the lyrics as well.
 Good job.

[kevysc]

@Jambrains  Nice to hear from you, it's been quite a while. Great production and super storytelling (as always Love the drum sound in particular

Kevin

[Elvis Nash]

Very cool acoustic work
Very tight production man
This is very good

[moraamarolaloba]

Glad to "hear" you back!!!!
It's a wonderful song, I liked the lyrics, many great lines, deep and full of imagery!!! sounds good everything here and the arrangement is the one the song needs Estupendo trabajo @Jambrains

[Dorian]

@Jambrains
Wow, you sure know how to mix, and produce a song. This sounds so professional. It has punch and wamth, even through my Macbook-pro laptop speakers (I always listen to songs at the breakfast table). One day, I hope to be able to mix like this.

Warm guitar sound
Punchy drums
Warm vocals

The only thing that got me a bit out of the vibe was the ticking clock (not aligned with the rhythm of the song). Minor detail.

Cheers, Dorian.

[Jambrains]

@calafinestrat: thanks for the kind words (and I think you'll find the panning useful once you tried it)

@kevysc: thanks a mill! The drums are EZ3 (or maybe Superior Drummer? Might have started with EZ3 but switched to SD halfway through) but I can't remember what kit I used.

@Elvis Nash: thanks! <3

@moraamarolaloba: Thanks, you're too kind :-)

@Dorian: thanks, the "clock" is actually a guitar but you are right, it does not really work or add anything so I'll most likely remove it.

[ChrisPrice]

I'm enjoying this! I love the arrangement...a lot of light and shade. The mix is quite full but everything is crystal clear. Absolutely no crits from me. A great track.

[rightly]

You have an endearing, warm and weary voice
Expressing sentiments of going back to your hometown,
really resonates
The production is smooth and classy.
 The song sounds familiar, somehow.
Fabulous lyrics 👌

[Nick Ryder]

This is a good effort, @Jambrains

The arrangement builds web as the song progresses and special mention to the processing of your vocal in the mix.

I like how the song takes a turn after the second chorus in terms of the melody and arrangement. Stripping it back to piano and vocal is a great trick.

The female vocal is great, but should have been introduced earlier as well as it feels a bit random.

I also think you can get a better vocal performance on the lead vocal. For the most part it's great, so you can clearly do it but there's a few lines where you're slightly off and I think a few more takes and you'd nail it.

Its always worth spending a bit more time to get it right and you're so very nearly there with this.