“Bitter Melody,” the latest single by singer-songwriter Nathaniel Paul, delivers a chill, low maintenance melody. Typically, Paul can be found as part of the Brooklyn, New York based indie folk duo, The Bergamot, with his wife, Jillian Speece. However, on this solo project, he ventures into an under the radar, lo-fi sound. Everything from the simplistic melody to Paul’s calming vocals makes “Bitter Melody” an unassuming joy.
From the get-go, this track speaks in hushed tones. At the beginning, Paul’s soft, echoing vocals pair well with the light tinges of guitar and the clicks and clacks produced by the drums. Both of which blend into one serene combination that enhances the dreaminess that this track relies upon.
Occasionally, there is a slight shift in the melody. Upon each brief rendition of the chorus, there is a pulsating drum beat that marches onto the scene. Ever so softly, this new beat drives the mood down a level. Each time that the chorus hits, Paul’s vocals drift off with the drums as he sings “I’m falling so far now into my dream. A bitter melody.”
Meanwhile, Paul watches “the train as it pulls away” and all of “the people scatter out in every way…making the rounds…running around.” Paul’s matter of fact tone is a steady force even while describing the frenetic pace of a travelling mass of humanity.
Altogether, “Bitter Melody” is a concise track that packs in a simple, lo-fi melody. While combined with the dulcet tones of understated guitar and percussion, Paul is a calming vocal presence throughout this song. Together, “Bitter Melody” makes for a serene, understated listen.
Written by Travis Boyer
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