A soft electric riff of a guitar atop steady beats of the drum… It is that awfully calming but lingering aura that really sets this unsettlement within me. A constant motion that desires more. Curling‘s “URDoM” wraps me in its embrace, and I’m overwhelmed by a torrent of emotions.
“URDoM” thrives in its ability to evoke emotions without explicitly stating them. The production elements, such as the subtle layering of instruments and the careful balance between instrumentation and vocals, contribute to the song’s immersive quality. The minimalist yet well-crafted approach allows the listener to interpret and connect with the music in their own unique way. The song’s musical layers are carefully woven together, allowing each instrument to contribute to the overall mood. Distant echoes and subtle reverberations, add depth to the atmosphere, immersing the listener in a reflective space.
Throughout the track, the dynamics build and recede, creating a sense of tension and release that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster the song portrays. The instrumental and vocal synergy reaches its peak during the climactic moments, eliciting a cathartic release that draws the listener deeper into the narrative. The composition’s aural palette leans towards a fusion of alternative and ambient elements, creating a space that is both introspective and ethereal. The instrumentation, consisting of subtle guitar work, restrained percussion, and atmospheric synth layers, works in harmony to evoke a sense of inner struggle and self-exploration.
In the end, “URDoM” isn’t just a song – it’s an emotional journey. It’s a mirror that shows me my own complexities, my own struggles. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our battles, that music can hold our hands as we navigate the stormy seas of the heart. Curling’s creation isn’t just a song; it’s a lifeline, a chance to find solace in the shared human experience. And as the last note fades, I’m left with a profound sense of connection, a realization that I’m not alone in feeling alone.
North American Tour Dates ^ = w/ Nation of Language 8/11: Portland, OR @ Fixin’ To 8/12: Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall ^ 8/13: Portland, OR @ Gloomhouse 8/14: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater ^ 8/16: Grass Valley, CA @ Unchuch 8/17: Upland, CA @ Hyrule Temple 8/18: Oakland, CA @ Oakland Secret 8/19: Seattle, WA @ Central Saloon 8/20: Centralia, WA @ Space Place House
“Give Me My Halo” by Yonaka is a real gem of a song that hits you right in the feels. It’s all about finding your inner strength, breaking free from the shackles of your past, and owning your true self. It dives deep into the struggles and desires we all face on our journey to personal growth and self-acceptance.
From the moment the song starts, listeners are captivated by the pulsating rhythm. The melody rises and falls, creating a sense of anticipation and reflecting the emotional highs and lows that the lyrics delve into. It’s a sonic journey that pulls listeners in and keeps them hooked until the very end.
But the chorus, oh boy, it’s the heart of the song. “Let hell rain down on my life and allow me to grow. Burn away the parts you don’t like, I don’t care anymore. I wanna feel untouchable.” These words hit hard. They strike a chord deep within, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. They express a desire to transcend the limitations imposed by society, to break free from self-doubt and insecurity. It’s an anthem of empowerment that inspires individuals to embrace their inner strength and stand tall in the face of adversity.
The bridge brings it home with a beautiful metaphor. “When the tide comes crashing in and I’ve got nothing left to give, will you deem me fit to swim and will you water me?” It’s like asking for support when you’re at your lowest, hoping someone will believe in you and help you keep going. We’ve all been there, and it’s comforting to hear it put into words.
As the song progresses, the intensity of the beat and the emotional depth of the lyrics intertwine, creating a profound musical experience. The combination of Yonaka’s passionate vocals and the driving instrumentals evokes a sense of liberation and encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity.
In a nutshell, “Give Me My Halo” is a song that speaks to our inner struggles and aspirations. It’s about finding strength, embracing our true selves, and asking for support when we need it most. It’s a reminder to break free, rise above, and shine with our own unique light. So go ahead, crank up the volume, and let this song resonate deep within your soul.
As the video begins for “Cigale Song” by Oracle Sisters, two earphone wires are depicted, stretched out to the ear of a girl with blond hair. One is connected to the ear of a girl with brown hair, at a long, wooden table. They are surrounded by fellow musicians holding guitars, and interacting in a friendly manner, dancing in vintage dresses and suites. They create an existence of sharing small moments over their interest in rock music.
On stage, the singer bounces her legs in rhythmic motions, in her green pants, under the green and blue changing lights. As the video continues, red and orange lights shine over the singers dressed in vintage pink and white dresses. These two stand behind the singer in the green pants. This alludes to how in life, people who are similar stay together in similar circumstances, while those who stand out, often dance to the beat of their own drum.
Concurrently, the singer at the front wears pants, because as people find themselves, they come to realize that how they move and what they wear shapes how people who do not know them well view them. The people watching the performers on stage represent those who do not know them well judging them.
The girl wearing the green pants is reflective of someone who is unafraid to be unique and stand out from the crowd. The two behind her, wearing the same dresses, are reflective of people who feel they must lean on one another while being judged.
The girl wearing the green pants dances when nobody else on stage will. This makes her centerstage and amplifies her presence as the soul of the message of the music; it takes time to find yourself but over time, you do. Once you find yourself, she articulates through dancing alone, you become a leader.
As she takes the lead, the two other girls start dancing in their own unique style, holding their dresses and dancing in small movements. The girl in the green pants dances across the stage with her arms swinging in circular motions. Her presence fills the entire stage. This dominance on stage further represents her as a leader who the other people on stage admire.
Closeup footage captures every person onstage, in front of the audience. “Cigale Song” sends the message that it takes time to find yourself but once you do, you are unafraid to show the world that you can strive while being comfortable in your element.
Oracle Sisters Live Dates 2023 29 July – 17 Degrees Ribeira Sacra Festival, Lugo (ES) 19 Aug – Esférica Rioja Alavesa, Guardia (ES) 01 Sep – Into The Great Wide Open, Vlieland (NL) 02 Sep – End Of The Road Festival, Salisbury (UK)
North America Headline Tour: 13 Sep – Bar Le Ritz, Montreal, QC 14 Sep – Garrison, Toronto, ON 16 Sep – The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls, Millvale, PA 17 Sep – DC9, Washington, DC 19 Sep – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY 22 Sep – Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 23 Sep – Schubas, Chicago, IL 25 Sep – Sunset Tavern, Seattle, WA 26 Sep – The Jack London Revue, Portland, OR 28 Sep – Popscene/Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, CA 29 Sep – The Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
As Italian singer-songwriter Alice Bisi revs up for the release of her third LP, her new track “Hyperdrive” gives a taste of a new direction for the alt-pop artist. Though Bisi, or Birthh, is based in Brooklyn, her music sounds as though it originates from the fourth dimension, cleverly using synths and fast tempos to transport listeners through musical wormholes.
It’s hard to believe that the high-octane “Hyperdrive” started out as a slow ballad. When Birthh was having trouble perfecting the song to her liking, she enlisted the help of her trusted co-producer London O’Connor. After a year of tweaking in the studio, “Hyperdrive” morphed into an upbeat, euphoric depiction of Birthh’s inner world and dreams. The verses are poetic in nature, with such lyrics as “I’ll chase your face, to infinity and beyond” and “spinning round, galactic dancer”, as the speaker experiences a whirlwind romance with hopes of reciprocation from the beloved.
This track keeps the listener on its toes, constantly adding new layers and advancing the intergalactic journey through Birthh’s heart. After the verse, the chorus shifts into the titular “Hyperdrive” mode, with rhythmic variation, a denser musical texture, and an earworm of a melody. The synths, percussion, and high-pitched strings interact with the vocal samples in a bouncing vortex of musical interest. The closing portion introduces a slew of new aspects, with piano chords interrupted by vocal samples of other voices besides Birthh’s, as though it leads into another track. As of now, we can only speculate what might come next.
Birthh’s anticipated Moonlanded album is set to release on September 1 and is now available for preorder. Moonlanded is sure to be an epic ride, chronicling Birthh’s emotions around her birthplace in Italy all the way to her new home in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, stream “Hyperdrive” on all platforms and check out Birthh’s backlist of songs.
Can’t wait for Moonlanded? Give “Hyperdrive” a listen while you’re waiting!
The single “Too Late To Break Your Fall” by John Oates is filled with moments of steady beats, rustic-sounding instruments, and joyous high notes. John Oates sings with a voice that would be perfect to be played at a restaurant where people are looking for a date. His voice is slow and clear at the beginning. The guitar in the background creates a rustic backdrop that feels like a small town in the country.
Oates’ voice becomes high-pitched as he sings, “I guess it is too late to break your fall.” His voice then becomes steady and quick in speed as he sings the next line, “You break your fall again.” This quick change of tone in his voice produces feelings of intense emotion as he sings in a high voice. Like those in a relationship, or when listening to this type of music as you would at a bar, you can have a moment of feeling suddenly happy. As quickly as you feel happy, you feel your emotions rapidly collecting into what is reality. After all, life can at times be bleak, and happy moments do not last forever. Singing in a high-pitched voice is him expressing that happiness must be savored because feeling happy can be very short-lived. Furthermore, singing at a steady cadence for the majority of the beginning of the song reveals that most of the time, he remains mentally stable while in a restaurant or a bar around other people.
The instruments playing in this song flow with blues sounds that dance with the trumpets. Oates’ song sends the message that there are times when joy is felt continuously. But even during good times, there are moments of sadness or when you need silence to process happiness.
Tour Dates July 14 – Boone, NC – The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts July 26 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate July 27 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate July 28 – Newport, RI – Newport Folk Festival August 19 – Rifle, Rifle, CO – Ute Theatre September 2 – Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry September 6 – Nashville, TN – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum September 9 – Hopkinton, MA – Hopkinton Center for The Arts September 11 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
Baby Got Back Talk’s G’Ra’s calm tone of voice as he sings, “Stop right there and don’t you dare tell me that I’m wrong,” in his song “I’m Sorry I’m a Moron, But Also, Help,” reveals he is coping with people talking down to him in a calm and collected manner. However, his lyrics contradict his tone of voice because he is direct and strong-willed. As revealed by the phrase “don’t you dare,” he is expressing anger and a barrier he puts up before anyone can tell him that he is wrong, which will emotionally scar him.
His lyrics further indicate that he has been told that he is wrong once or many times before. Thus, he is attempting to hide his pain through his tone when confronting people who he feels could scar him emotionally but wrote his lyrics when he was feeling emotional. If you listen to his lyrics, not his tone of voice, you will feel his pain.
G’Ra continues singing in a similar tone as he sings, “I’m a loss, an albatross, who dropped the baton.” He becomes vulnerable as he explains that he feels like a lost bird, as an albatross is a type of bird. Saying that he “dropped the baton” reveals he feels that while he is flying in his career, he has lost his ability to keep calm and in control emotionally because he is releasing all of his emotions into his lyrics. He feels he must keep a calm demeanor as he struggles to hold back revealing his true emotions.
Hope builds up like our protagonist is metaphorically climbing a mountain, with feelings of passion and excitement, as he sings “‘Till the hallway’s bathed in moonlight, and you saunter in and it always made me think twice when I am wandering.” Singing of bathing in the moonlight is depicting him bathing in hope.
As he wanders in this moonlight, he thinks twice about his friendships and becomes the moonlight, allowing him to be a shining light above other people. As he becomes the moonlight, he encounters people from different backgrounds. “Against all the odds,” as he sings, he is able to integrate himself with people who are unlike him. He continues to persevere to learn about other types of people until all the odds are stacked against him. His inability to overcome these odds is temporary, as he “gets his knuckles bruised” from struggling through barriers to be with people who have given him emotional baggage. (As articulated in the lyrics, “Stop right there and don’t you dare tell me that I’m wrong.”)
As the song concludes, it bubbles with excitement and energy. This energy circulates into the stressed emotions of uncertainty and doubt as it uplifts and brings hope to these negative emotions. This entire song fluctuates from feelings of uneasiness and doubt to confidence and hope.
The newly released music video uses tone, color, and shape to evoke the emotions associated with the song. The visual representation is somehow spot on. View it below.
