David Fingret – Illusion of Control (Single Review)

Today’s review features David Fingret’s new single “Illusion of Control.”

Following the release of The Consciousness EP in February 2026 (reviewed here), David’s new single continues his exploration of metaphysical themes with a skeptical look at Stoic philosophy. The lyrics focus on his concern with the Stoic idea of detaching from the world or suppressing emotion in the name of control — “a mindset I question throughout the song.” Musically, the track leans into David’s progressive rock tendencies and long‑standing influences.

In addition to the music, David’s songs are all about the lyrics, which are reprinted in full at the end of this review.

So let’s have a listen …

The song starts with a keyboard vamp, followed by strings being added. Then the drums, which sound nice and fat, come in, and the strings’ volume increases to add impact. Finally, we get to some vocals. Very reminiscent of David Bowie. After the first chorus, when we get into the second verse, beginning with “Is detachment a virtue in spite of everything you know? A slender hammer can crush a stone,” the song becomes more like the middle break out of a Beatles tune.

I like how when we get to “the cynic unfolds” break, there’s a very different timbre to the vocals. I like how the music is in a complicated flow, cycling from one idea to another to support the theme of chaos instead of control. And suddenly, we’re back to the Beatles break. “Ya the cynic unfolds” at the end of the song with the same uniquely timbered voice. And the song gently fades.

I’m not sold on the lyrics, lots of simple rhymes, but I really dig the Beatles break and the different voice on “the cynic unfolds” sections of the song. I do appreciate the theme – the illusion of control can damage your soul. 

SCORE/Excellent: David Fingret is back with his new single “Illusion of Control”. If you like groups like GOASTT and songwriting that sounds in part like the psychedelic period Beatles, you will probably love this new song. It’s haunting and, at times, chaotic, like you might expect in a song about the “illusion of control.” Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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Here are the lyrics:

You can try
You can try
You can try
But you cannot deny
That you’re living a lie

When there’s despair
You can say you don’t care
That you’re really not there
But you cannot control
What your feelings don’t show
Come on let’s go

Illusion of control
Suppression without flow
Illusion of control
Don’t go in it alone
Illusion of control
Kill this thing you patrol
Illusion of control

Is detachment a virtue in spite of everything you know?
A slender hammer can crush a stone
Oh oh oh oh
You can activate the world
Oh oh oh oh
So Unchain yourself
Unchain
Unchain
Unchain

You shouldn’t suppress what your ego can’t withhold
The cynic unfolds
Ya the cynic unfolds

You can cry
You can cry
You can cry
There’s no need to hide
It’s just your supply

Their control is your self-patrol
But there’s a better role of dissension to play
And you can play it today

It can damage your soul
Illusion of control
You’re human after all
Illusion of control
With a misguided goal
Illusion of control
A rebel that’s not whole
Illusion of control

Is detachment a virtue in spite of everything you know?
A slender hammer can crush a stone
Oh oh oh oh
You can activate the world
Oh oh oh oh
So Unchain yourself
Unchain
Unchain
Unchain

You shouldn’t suppress what your ego can’t withhold
The cynic unfolds
Ya the cynic unfolds