The three artists on this round-up, North Ravi, Andrew Batcheler, and Naomi Jane, all have very different sounds. However, there’s something that ties them together. It’s the ability to deliver a narrative that can be understood and related to. Each song in this three-track roundup delves into feelings of growth, love, and confidence, and they all deliver their narratives well. Read on to learn more about these new songs by lyrical savants.
North Ravi – PROGRAM
‘PROGRAM’ seems to stake its basis in indie emo rap, but it also stands out as being a bit lo-fi and a bit experimental. Though it feels like it should be mumble rap, especially with how the instrumentation is delivered, the vocals hit with crisp intonation which helps the lyrics to jump out. That being said, this doesn’t pull from the emotion the mumble brings to the table, as there’s still a lot of emotion in the delivery. The instrumentation floats along in terms of the synths, with a bit of a softly mixed percussive line. It gives an effect that could put someone into a trance, which does well at bringing listeners into the overall feeling. Also, the outro to this track switches things up to a sludgier, deeper vocal edit, and it’s produced in a way that sounds kind of like ominous elevator music. Lyrically, this track is very poetic and leaves a lot up to interpretation. It seems like it may be about attempting to escape misconceptions and beliefs built into one to eventually find freedom and peace.
Andrew Batcheler – I’m in Love
‘I’m in Love’ has a bit of a West Coast flair with how the guitars bounce and bend around, and the fingerpicking has some great leads. In terms of genre, it rests along the lines of indie pop, and it does so in a way that brings a warm optimism to the table. The intricacies of the guitar have a bit of a math rock vibe too, and with everything put together, this whole track feels meticulously crafted. It has the feeling of being a classic love song; however, it breaks the mould in terms of how it flows along, while still holding onto that mushy, lovey feeling. Also, the production and mix really help every little bit to jump out. Lyrically, it really lines up with the title of the track, being in love. It’s about finding someone who wraps you up in the feeling and connection of it, while wanting to hold onto that feeling.
Naomi Jane – Passenger Princess
‘Passenger Princess’ is an indie pop track that benefits from the power and precision of the vocals. There’s a full band behind it that sways along with its guitars and percussion, the bass helping the steady beat move forward. The mix plays really well with its stereo sound, with different sounds jumping out on different sides, with the vocals taking center stage. In doing so, the fullness of the track jumps out beautifully. The chorus is super catchy and begs to be belted out, and the idol vibes seem to match those of Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. This track is catchy and fun, but in a way that feels wrapped up in a bow of heartfeltness. Lyrically, it’s about being in love but wanting to take back one’s own power by using the metaphor of being a passenger princess. It takes back confidence with the line, “I don’t always wanna be your passenger princess.”
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Dainé Zeferino
