Garrett Anthony Rice’s “Try To Make It Right (our end game)”, released on June 22nd, 2026, is a poignant acoustic rock offering that transforms a deeply sensitive social issue into an emotionally resonant piece of storytelling. Built around the experiences of a young married couple navigating divorce while trying to protect their children from the emotional strain and legal complexities surrounding their separation, the song examines the difficult balance between heartbreak and responsibility. Rather than portraying conflict, Rice focuses on the realization that preserving meaningful relationships with their children requires cooperation and understanding. In addressing a reality that has become increasingly common in Ireland and the United Kingdom, the single feels remarkably timely and universally relatable, speaking to listeners through empathy and emotional honesty.
Musically, the song thrives on simplicity and understated craftsmanship. Warm acoustic guitars provide the foundation, creating a reflective atmosphere that balances melancholy with cautious optimism. The arrangement develops gradually, allowing the emotional progression of the narrative to dictate its pace. Producer Chris Potter maintains an organic sound throughout, avoiding unnecessary embellishments and preserving the natural warmth of the instruments. The chord progressions carry a bittersweet quality that perfectly complements the themes of regret and reconciliation, while subtle shifts in dynamics mirror the changing emotional landscape of the lyrics. This restraint gives the song a timeless character, proving that sincerity often carries greater power than elaborate production.
The contributions of Rice’s supporting musicians enrich the track with remarkable depth and texture. Geoff Dugmore’s drumming remains tasteful and controlled, emphasizing emotional nuance over complexity. Adam Phillips introduces tasteful electric guitar passages that add color without distracting from the intimacy of the arrangement, while Chris Webb’s bass work provides a steady and comforting presence beneath the surface. Tim Wills enhances the atmosphere through carefully crafted keys and effects that lend the song additional warmth and dimension. Recorded across Kore Studios in London, Chris Potter’s home studio in Bournemouth, and Darklands Studio in Dublin, the production process itself reflects a spirit of collaboration. Particularly noteworthy is the recording of the gospel choir sections in Dublin while Potter directed remotely from the UK through Zoom, marking the first time the veteran producer had undertaken such an approach in his distinguished career.
At the center of the composition is Garrett Anthony Rice’s vocal performance, which serves as the emotional heartbeat of the song. His voice possesses a natural warmth and conversational quality that immediately invites listeners into the narrative. Instead of relying on dramatic vocal acrobatics, he communicates through subtle phrasing, measured intensity, and genuine vulnerability. There is a quiet strength in his delivery, especially during the softer moments where regret and hope coexist with remarkable sincerity. The addition of the gospel choir provides moments of uplift that beautifully contrast with the introspective nature of the verses, adding a sense of emotional release and reinforcing the themes of perseverance and healing. Together, these elements create a performance that feels deeply personal and profoundly human.
Lyrically, “Try To Make It Right (our end game)” occupies the painful space between acceptance and redemption. Rice avoids assigning blame, choosing instead to focus on self-reflection and the desire to preserve what truly matters before it is lost completely. The song captures the universal longing for one final opportunity to repair broken connections and salvage relationships that still hold meaning. Its emotional impact lies in its honesty, recognizing that life rarely offers simple resolutions. Every aspect of the composition, from its acoustic instrumentation and restrained production to its nuanced vocal delivery, serves this emotional core. As a result, the song resonates not through grand gestures, but through authenticity, patience, and heartfelt expression.
Try To Make It Right (our end game) Is A Heartfelt Acoustic Rock Journey Where Vulnerability, Hope, And Compassion Illuminate Love’s Fragile Path Through Family, Healing, And Redemption
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
That commitment to sincerity reflects the artistic identity of Garrett Anthony Rice himself. Emerging from Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland, Rice continues to cultivate a sound shaped by the theatrical grandeur of Elton John, the realism of Neil Young, the adventurous spirit of David Bowie, and the intimate expressiveness of Jeff Buckley. Guided by his personal mantra, “Never give up!!!”, he has steadily built momentum within Ireland’s vibrant music scene, recently performing with his band at Dublin’s prestigious Lost Lane venue on Grafton Street. For this project, he assembled an accomplished team of collaborators under the guidance of Chris Potter, resulting in a work that embodies both craftsmanship and emotional depth. “Try To Make It Right (our end game)” stands as a mature and moving statement from an artist whose greatest strength lies in his ability to transform life’s complexities into music that resonates long after the final note has faded.
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