Having a hard time with finals? Need a mood boost from the brain drain? “Dancing In The Courthouse” is the answer. 

Dominic Fike has returned with a new single, finally. It is the first song released off his highly anticipated second album, which is expected to be released later this year. From the promotions that Fike posted on his Instagram, the backdrop for this album is his upbringing in Naples, Florida. “Dancing In The Courthouse” reflects a return to childlike energy. It’s about going forward, knowing where you’ve been and embracing it. In a video on Fike’s Instagram, he tells his mom, “I wouldn’t change my childhood for anyone else’s because that’s why I’m here.” 

The vocals are free from the autotuned, distorted sound that made up much of Fike’s previous album. If this means anything for the album to come, perhaps Fike is stepping out of his experimental phase and leaning into a more natural approach. 

But, that doesn’t mean he’s abandoning his sound. In typical Fike fashion, it’s short, clocking in at 2 minutes, 37 seconds. The instrumentals feature his signature electric guitar overlaid with a heavy bass, and the drum joins at the chorus. If you listen closely at 1 minute, 37 seconds, a high-octave piano melody makes an appearance. There are a few freestyle-like verses, reminiscent of Fike’s early music-making days, and, as usual, his lyrics hit home. 

“We make the love that keeps our world spinnin’ /

We make the gods our friends by cursin’ em /

We make the wind our wings by raisin’ your arms /

At the top of the world, yeah.” 

This is a song for dancing and celebrating life. It’s a song for handing in your last final and getting ready for summer break. For almost three minutes, you feel like you’re on top of the world. Fike, if you’re listening, please release the next album soon.