Norwegian singer/songwriter Simen Mitlid hit the scene around 10 years ago, and hit the ground running – several of his early singles have been streamed millions of times. In anticipation of his upcoming 6th album, he’s releasing ‘It’s Okay’ – the first single from the new record.
I’m a big fan of strange, hard-to-identify sounds, so I was over the moon with the intro to ‘It’s Okay’. Wonderfully strange, pulsating guitar sounds usher in the track, eventually giving way to a rounded, glowing warmth that feels as gentle and comforting as a hug from an old friend.
Simen’s delicate vocal feels somewhat subdued at first, but opens up as the melody develops. There’s a fragility, but it’s bursting with musicality and expression.
Ghostly backing vox are a constant presence, and add an airy haze to the song as the exquisitely crafted motif conveys the whole story in just a few notes.
Chords rise and fall in their melancholic way as a meditative rhythm section marches along. It’s beautifully bittersweet – like the quiet smile in the midst of heartbreak.
Every piece of the puzzle is perfectly placed – it’s an acoustic-folk-pop masterclass that reminded me of 90’s stalwarts The Lightning Seeds at their best.
There’s something magnetic about this song, and you’ll be defenseless as it lulls you into a false sense of security, hypnotising and seducing you with its straightforward melodic sweetness – before slowly breaking your heart.
‘It’s Okay’ is much more than OK – it’s fantastic!
Written by Grubby
