Like it or not, chaos is an inevitable part of life. Without the potential of falling into disarray, there would be no incentive for progress. However, indie pop duo Deer Park Avenue are all about embracing the chaos on “Crucible.” By finding a way to harness adversity, sisters Sarah and Steph Snyder adapt to the twists and turns of life on the title track of their latest album.
There’s a distinct melodic dichotomy at play within “Crucible.” At first, there’s the pins and needles-esque chords preceding the lyrical imagery of “when a storm is heading home” and “when the fire is already through the door.” In addition, there’s click-clacking percussion and a subtly menacing, yet wispy synth-laden undercurrent. However, where the aforementioned contrast becomes apparent is when the cascading style of synth ushers in the “step-by-step”-led bridge. Altogether, “Crucible” adheres to a vibe switching approach, transitioning from a distinct air of gravity to an integration of loftier accents.
For lyrical purposes, this song transitions from simply “hiding here inside” to becoming “refined here inside” a metaphorical “crucible.” In addition, reminding yourself that “when the pressure’s high, I’m higher” is this song’s built-in mantra. Along the way, “the crucible” itself becomes a place in which you happen to acquire new personal traits through struggle. In this case, it’s about maintaining your resolve to “come out alive” and “fight” on the other side of it all. In a way, “Crucible” becomes about feeding off life’s negative momentum as inspiration to move forward.
Written by Travis Boyer
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