Anyone who needs solace in heartbreak, disconnect, or deep emotions about connection will find something to explore in these 6 new singles.
Hazel Ray – Christmas From Afar
‘Christmas From Afar’ has such a nice somber start comprised of just bells and vocals with a small bit of reverb. Then a piano cuts in, and the bells cut out, keeping a slow temperament with simple instrumentation. After that, there’s a section with violin and soft bells before the instrumentation fills out fully with every element. The way this is done keeps things interesting though it’s soft and slower-paced. The lyrics in this track capture how the wonders of Christmas can seem to fade away when spent away from family and loved ones.
Daniel DeShon – Slow Rain Falling
‘Slow Rain Falling’ actually has an exciting and lifelike pace with quick finger picking, shakers, a bass that has some slap, and piano. It has a raw folksy sound with some anthemic undertones. Around 01:10, filters and electronic elements cut in to evolve the sound, but there’s something about it that still sounds natural. The vocals hit the note of that nice folksy rasp, and their soft production suits the track overall. Lyrically, it has poetic depictions of nature and leaves a lot to read into to determine one’s own thoughts and emotions on meaning.
Bri Aspen – Made by Someone Else
‘Made By Someone Else’ stands out as a pop anthem with strength but a dash of melancholy. The kick drum rules the percussion and drives things on. It has a mid-range pace which allows the vocals and lyrics to stand out well, but the chorus provides the perfect pickup. Also, the vocals gorgeously waver and have a brassiness behind them. The lyrics depict the aftermath of a toxic relationship in which someone was put into a box and is having to regrow and find their way back to themself.
Sarah Biddick – Save Me
The first thing that stands out about ‘Save Me’ is how well-produced the vocals are. Overall, its energy jumps around but mostly hits a quick pace and a Western twang. The chorus is filled with life and excitement with quick guitars and clap-driven percussion. The percussion is interesting overall with clacks, shakers, and the clacks with an interesting rhythm. This single captures the feeling of being caught in a toxic relationship in which dignity has been stripped away in a way that makes it feel like being saved is necessary.
Arianna Chetram – Do You Still Love Me
‘Do You Still Love Me’ works with a piano backing that has a unique melody but an overall soft sound. It’s balladlike in nature with a held-back tempo. The way it moves along is soft and sweet with melancholic undertones. The chorus adds to the piano, creating a full band sound with the introduction of a deep bass and some percussion. The vocals have this gooey alto tone that’s delivered and produced with beauty. It comes from a place of someone who’s in love with someone else but is facing fears over whether that someone loves them back.
Lima Shakes – One More Time
“One More Time” has an indie pop-rock song with an exciting bounce behind its full band sound. The instrumentation is dynamic and works with a quick flow that delivers pertinent hits. The drums do well with the tempo while also keeping itself interesting, and the guitar strums in diverse rhythms. There’s also an electric guitar solo that displays a lot of intricacy. Vocally, it has a bit of a brassy whine that’s typical of indie rock, but the harmonies have that catchy pop sound. It’s written from the perspective of someone who wants another to love them once again.
Written by Sage Plapp
