On May 31, 2025, Reid Etter released his EP “Chicago,” the opening track ‘Princess in the Palace’ being a strong opener.
As ‘Princess in the Palace’ opens, it delivers a sound with vocals that hit with folk sensibilities, and a swingy acoustic guitar that flows with a natural clack. Then, the bass is introduced with a slappy sound, fitting its deeper tones softer in the mix. Then, around 0:43, the vocals go ‘I never want to see you again,’ a hook that catchily repeats, and the sound builds with a thrashy grunge-influenced bass and more rock-inspired drums. This comes before an intricate guitar lead over the instrumental. This then flows into a more electronic sound that strays away from the folk genre before softening back up into an instrumental acoustic guitar and claps. In the finality of the track, the electronic sound is reintroduced. The use of flow between acoustic and electronic sounds keeps the track exciting despite a moderate pacing.
The aforementioned hook of this track repeats throughout the song, and this repetition gives a lot to introspect on as the rest of the lyrical narrative is woven between it. It’s about running into a beautiful woman; however, the lead narrator feels the prince in the palace should take care of her. The aspect of the hook that blends into the overarching narrative is the idea of “again.” Though this princess, as mentioned in the title, still thinks of the narrator, he’s ready to move forward from a prior relationship with her. Though being fantastical in nature, it captures a raw and real feeling that comes from moving forward.
Reid Etter is an independent Chicago-based rock artist with alternative and grunge influences, and a refreshed 90s sound. His “Chicago” EP is his debut release, and that’s been followed by two other strong single releases. Aside from in Chicago, he also does some work in Los Angeles, and his primary influences are cited as DMB, RHCP, U2, and Coldplay on his personal site, among others. Though his current discography is small, it shows prowess through its musicality, lyricism, and production value. Let’s see where this strength takes him from here!
Written by Sage Plapp
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