“Landmines” is a rousing, passionate rock collaboration from Nashville-based artists Lauren Presley and Letdown., the moniker of Blake Coddington. This delectably gritty single juxtaposes lusher elements against thunderous distortion to capture mental chaos after toxic relationships. Lauren provides journal-sharp verses while Blake answers with a guttural counterpoint, transforming trauma into a raucously memorable melodic anthem.

Solemn guitar twangs and “took it too far” subdued vocals open the track with heart-on-sleeve appeal. The confessional vocals continue as Presley’s magnetic lead vocals emerge. “No matter how hard I try, can’t see through salty eyes,” she sings amidst a lovely mixture of twinkling keys and moving strings, then blasting off into a thunderous blast of guitar distortion. The “dodging landmines” hook becomes fully apparent thereafter, as impassioned layers of vocals — both declarative and harmonious — coexist beautifully with the hard-rocking passion.

Further depictions of vulnerability arise in the ensuing verses, where Letdown.’s Blake Coddington unveils a ferocious, melodically gripping vocal presence. “I showed you my scars,” he lets out, then intertwining with Presley’s impactful vocals for a stellar one-two punch. His take on the “salty eyes” segment is equally enthralling. “So why am I still dodging landmines?” his own questioning traverses into Presley’s stirringly excitable layers, and then the acoustic-laden reflections as the final minute arrives. “Landmines” is a captivating, standout track that excels in both its lusher contemplations and raucously memorable rock drives.

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