If you’ve ever been on a vacation that felt more like a scene from a rom-com gone wrong, then High Plains Drifters’ latest single, Summer Girl (Redux), is your new summer anthem. And let’s be real, if you haven’t had one of those disastrous flings where you’re left questioning your life choices, then you’re probably lying—or just really lucky. Either way, this track, led by the smooth-yet-cynical vocals of Larry Studnicky, is here to bring a little sunshine to your summer heartbreak.
Let’s talk about the song first. Summer Girl (Redux) isn’t just another tropical rock tune with a catchy beat; it’s like Johnny Cash got lost on a beach, had one too many piña coladas, and decided to sing about all the women who’ve left him high and dry. The song opens with a gentle sprinkle of steel drums, setting the stage for what you think is going to be a breezy, feel-good track. But oh no, my friends, this is not that kind of party. Studnicky’s vocals come in, dripping with that sardonic charm we all love, and suddenly you’re on a rollercoaster of sun-soaked regrets and wallet-draining romances. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and then you’ll laugh again because, honestly, who hasn’t been there?
The chorus is like that last margarita you know you shouldn’t have, but you do it anyway because it’s summer, and why not? It’s catchy, it’s fun, and you’ll be humming it until the first snow falls—or at least until your next ill-advised fling. The High Plains Drifters have mastered the art of turning misery into music you can dance to, and for that, we salute them.
Now, onto the music video, which is basically a mini movie directed by Lars Skaland, with the production values of a Bond film and the humor of your favorite beachside bar. The video is like taking a trip down memory lane, except every stop is another ex who either broke your heart or emptied your bank account. And let’s not forget the ex-wife who takes more than half of everything—not that I’m bitter or anything. The visuals are stunning, with each woman in the video playing a crucial role in our protagonist’s descent from hopeful romantic to jaded beach bum.
But here’s the twist: just when you think all hope is lost and our man is going to ride off into the sunset alone, he finds her—the one who doesn’t care about the fancy cars or exotic trips. She just wants him, and for a moment, paradise doesn’t seem so far away. It’s the kind of plot twist that makes you believe, even if just for a second, that maybe, just maybe, love isn’t dead.
In the end, Summer Girl (Redux) is the perfect soundtrack for anyone who’s ever had their heart broken by a beautiful stranger in a tropical paradise. It’s a little bit funny, a little bit sad, and a whole lot of catchy. So, whether you’re still nursing a summer fling hangover or just looking for something to groove to by the pool, this song and its dazzling video have got you covered. Grab your sunscreen, turn up the volume, and let the High Plains Drifters remind you that even in heartbreak, there’s always a good tune to be found.
Cleopatra Patel