The term ‘reckoning’ is defined in multiple ways. It is the process of calculating something. It refers to a judgement, opinion, bill or settlement. Front Country wrote “The Reckoning” a year prior to the pandemic, social injustice movement and pre-election, Post Office debacle. Nonetheless, the song impeccably defines this bizarre moment in history, providing confidence there will be a final reckoning.
Front Country brings humility as well as authenticity to every note and lyric. Setting the stage for the entire track, Melody Walker is poised and calm while instituting her musical authority. “The Reckoning” is exactly what we need to hear. “We can’t go back. You know the only way is through. It’s a call to all the work we have to do.” They nail it. We can’t reverse the mistakes made or pretend they don’t exist. There’s a hell of a lot of work to be done. (175K+ COVID deaths, Black and Brown citizens terrorized and voters disenfranchised. None of that is acceptable. I’ll admit, it is daunting, but I’m not one to give up, especially with the stakes being so high.) In a fury Walker continues, “When the truth is there, got to shout it out to make it ring again.” Truth is a basic premise taught at the earliest of age. It’s in all religious texts, democratic philosophies and the underpinning of healthy relationships, but regretfully it has been pushed aside, negatively impacting our well-being. Our core is rotting, illustrated in the breakdown of everything we hold dear.
We are unwell, but don’t worry. Adam Roszkiewicz and Jacob Groopman join Walker in the chorus with unforgettable, surging harmonies, reassuring us there will be a positive future. “And, if you are ready for the reckoning then sing it out loud. It’s not the first time that we have been here, but we will figure it out. Sometimes the sickness is a gift, so we can take the medicine, be ready for the reckoning.” The string solo, implemented before the song’s closing is overwhelmingly powerful and well placed. The last line of the chorus is reiterated as the trio reverberates ardently, “Maybe the sickness is a gift, so we can take the medicine, be ready for the reckoning.” Front Country reveals we are ready for “The Reckoning,” ultimately leading to our very necessary redemption.
