Paul Garside – “That There Is Our Problem”
Paul Garside Turns a Strange Story Into Darkly Charming Trad-Folk on “That There Is Our Problem”
Paul Garside’s “That There Is Our Problem” is a folk song with a strange story behind it and the right kind of restraint in the way it tells it. Inspired by a news article about a man who became jealous after his wife said she loved God more than him, the track could have easily leaned into melodrama. Instead, Garside keeps it grounded, dry, and almost quietly theatrical, letting the darkness of the premise come through without forcing the listener into it.
The arrangement takes a lot from traditional folk, especially in the way the rhythm stays steady while the details slowly gather around it. The song does not explode, and it does not need to. Its strength comes from the way it keeps adding small elements as it moves forward, making the track feel wider without breaking its minimal character. Banjo and Irish bouzouki bring real texture to the piece, and Niilo Sirola’s playing gives the song a richer folk identity without overcrowding Garside’s writing.
The vocal production works very well. Garside’s voice has a slightly low, charming presence, organic but still clear in the mix. It feels close to the listener, which suits the narrative style perfectly. The performance has character, but it never becomes too exaggerated; it feels like someone telling you a troubling story across a table, with just enough humour and unease underneath.
As the song develops, subtle rhythmic pulses add movement and help the track keep its shape. The acoustic guitar stays at the centre, while the extra layers make the whole arrangement feel more expansive and satisfying. The result has a strong trad-folk flavour, but also a distinctly South London storyteller’s edge.
“That There Is Our Problem” is a very well-built and rewarding folk single from Paul Garside, full of organic charm, dark narrative detail, and careful musicianship. It is minimal on the surface, but the more it unfolds, the more character it reveals.