“Rush Off” by Openness is a thoughtful psych-pop tune

Sup? is a feature franchise on UNXIGNED where we literally just answer the category in question and give you some insights into a promising artist or band’s work. In this Sup? issue, we present to you Keelan McDorman, aka Openness, and his song “Rush Off”.

Music made with no inhibitions, complete and utter genuineness from an open heart and mind. That’s the philosophy of Openness, the recording project of bedroom pop musician Keelan McDorman, and he’s recruited a wide range of musicians to see his goal come to fruition.

Openness’s latest album, Adore the Journey, was crafted in true digital DIY fashion with most tracks consisting of digital recordings from musicians around the world before being mixed and polished into their final forms by McDorman himself in his “Open Nest” cottage in Denver, Colorado.

LP highlight “Rush Off” is no exception to this formula. Featuring vocal contributions by the LA-based Miranda Rae Hey and guitar and bass work made by Oliver Qui in Florida, “Rush Off” amounts to a lilting psychedelic dream of liberation. Utilizing lo-fi melodies and mellow instrumentation, the track depicts a fantasy of no longer being chained to a 9–5 work schedule and being free to follow passion.

The dual lead vocalists compliment each other well, creating low-key melodies that fit nicely with Qui’s soft guitar notes. Lyrics longing for the erasure of morning alarms and demanding schedules create a stress-free listening sensation that comes off as genuine and endearing.

“Rush Off” is a relaxing lo-fi pop tune and its unorthodox recording methods make for a surprisingly dynamic piece.

Stream “Rush Off” below.

Derek Tate

Derek is a writer, record collector, gardener, and all-around music lover. He lives in Iowa with his plants and his dog, Toby.