At the heart of “Old Black Suit” is a personal story of grief and reflection. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kevin Franco, the creative force behind TMPP, was inspired to write the song after experiencing the loss of four friends in just a few short weeks. The emotional toll of attending multiple funerals within such a condensed time period prompted Franco to examine the ways in which life, loss, and aging intersect.
The concept for the song was sparked during a particularly difficult moment. While attending the funeral of one friend, Franco received a text message informing him of another friend’s passing. This experience of overlapping grief brought forth a flood of unchecked emotions, which Franco channeled into the music. “Old Black Suit” is not just a tribute to those who have passed, but a reflection on the inevitable changes we all face as we age.
The titular “Old Black Suit” serves as a powerful metaphor in the song, symbolizing the passage of time and the way our lives evolve as we grow older. At one point, this black suit might have been purchased with excitement, worn to weddings, parties, and other joyous celebrations. However, as life progresses, the same suit becomes a uniform for funerals, a symbol of mourning and loss. As Franco puts it, “The Old Black Suit is a metaphor for how life changes as we age, as we inch towards donning that black suit eternally.”
The suit represents a stark contrast between youth, when life is full of vibrant celebrations, and the quiet, more somber realities of aging, when goodbyes become more frequent. Franco’s lyric, “And just like life itself, it was not made to last,” poignantly captures this transition, reflecting the fleeting nature of both life and the moments we share with others.
Musically, “Old Black Suit” combines TMPP’s signature indie folk rock style with moments of explosive instrumentation that mirror the intensity of raw grief. Franco’s delicate yet emotive guitar work anchors the track, while the instrumental breaks build into powerful climaxes, representing the waves of emotion that often accompany loss. These sonic explosions are the culmination of the unchecked emotions Franco felt in the wake of his friends’ deaths, adding a visceral dimension to the song’s reflective lyrics.
Franco, who plays guitars, mandolin, percussion, and bass on the track, is joined by Italian drummer Silvio Centamore. Centamore, a frequent collaborator with TMPP, brings a dynamic energy to the song, helping to elevate the emotional intensity during the instrumental sections. The track was produced by Darryll McFadyen, whose past work with renowned artists like Belle & Sebastian, Simple Minds, and Trevor Horn has lent a polished, yet raw quality to TMPP’s sound.
While “Old Black Suit” was born out of Franco’s personal experiences with grief, its themes are universally relatable. The song touches on the inevitable thoughts of mortality that come with aging. As we grow older, attending funerals and witnessing the passing of loved ones becomes a more frequent part of life. This shift from vibrant celebrations to quieter, more somber events is a natural part of the human experience, and Franco captures this poignantly in both his lyrics and music.
The song also speaks to the isolation that can come with aging. As friends and loved ones pass away, life can become quieter and more reserved. Franco’s reflection on how the once vibrant black suit now serves a different purpose is a stark reminder of the passage of time and the shifts in our own lives.
“Old Black Suit” is just one of the deeply introspective tracks on TMPP’s forthcoming album It Was Here He Received His Only Formal Education, set to release in November. While the album promises to explore various themes, “Old Black Suit” sets the tone for what will likely be a project filled with thoughtful examinations of life, death, and everything in between.
The single showcases TMPP’s ability to blend personal storytelling with broader existential themes, creating music that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level. As Franco continues to develop his voice as a songwriter, It Was Here He Received His Only Formal Education is shaping up to be a significant artistic achievement for The Muster Point Project.
With “Old Black Suit,” The Muster Point Project offers a moving exploration of grief, aging, and the inevitable shifts in life as we grow older. Kevin Franco’s songwriting, bolstered by strong instrumentation and heartfelt production, delivers a track that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As TMPP prepares to release their full-length album in November, “Old Black Suit” serves as a compelling preview of the thoughtful, introspective music that lies ahead. Through this song, Franco reminds us that life is fleeting, but in reflecting on the passage of time, we can find solace in the memories we’ve made and the people we’ve loved, even as we face the inevitability of loss.
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