The Higher Desires deliver a stirring salute with “Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition),” a track that fuses indie rock grit with a reverence worthy of its subject. Written and produced by frontman William Walbaum, the single unfolds as both anthem and elegy, offering a powerful tribute to veterans while donating every cent of its royalties to veterans’ health charities.
Opening with a steady, mid-tempo beat and chiming guitars, the song builds patiently, giving space for Walbaum’s reflective vocals. His lyrics—“They’re the unknown soldiers, all the heroes / There are so many names”—carry the weight of remembrance without slipping into sentimentality. Each verse feels like a roll call for those whose sacrifices often pass unspoken. The arrangement expands into surging guitars and crisp percussion before easing into a haunting centerpiece: Taps performed on electric guitar by guest musician Michael Stoican. Traditionally played at military funerals, the melody here is reimagined with distortion and sustain, sending a shiver through the mix. It’s a moment that halts the momentum just long enough for quiet reflection, then swells back into a final, cathartic chorus.
What sets this release apart isn’t only its craftsmanship but its purpose. By directing 100% of royalties to veterans’ charities, The Higher Desires transform the track into an act of service. It’s music as memorial, a reminder that art can honor as well as entertain. Walbaum’s production keeps the sound raw yet spacious, balancing the intimacy of a bedroom recording with the drive of a full band. Fans of alternative rock with a conscience—think early U2 or The National—will find a moving resonance here. “Unknown Soldiers (Veterans Edition)” is more than a song; it’s a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and a call to remember those who fought for freedoms too easily taken for granted.
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