Reminiscent of the atmospheric, visceral compositions of PJ Harvey, Anna Calvi, and Dominie Hooper, Alice Mary’s new single, Spiral, is a tense, bewitching, introspective analysis of loneliness, anxiety, and what can happen when we’re alone for too long. Overwhelm, self-loathing, and isolation come together in what almost feels like a celebration of negativity (which, realistically, is probably a pretty effective coping mechanism).
Instrumentally, the minimal arrangement feels pretty perfectly balanced – nothing feels overblown or out of place. The rhythm section serves the song tastefully, and Alice’s guitars are just right – but our favourite element is the combination of lead and backing vocals. They complement the song – and indeed each other – perfectly and are a delicious cherry on top of a delightfully depressing – but extremely delectable – cake.
Alice began Spiraling – like many of us – during the COVID lockdowns, but, against all odds, she has managed to wrangle something beautiful out of a period that was undeniably difficult and unpleasant.
On Spiral sings about being awake at 3 am – what with all of life’s normal routines going out the window – and the effects that insomnia had. It clearly bred a period of creativity for the London-based singer-songwriter, and we suppose that has to serve as some kind of consolation. It’s one of the catchiest, most satisfying songs we’ve ever heard dedicated to enforced isolation and one’s deteriorating mental state. Most clouds have silver linings if you search hard enough to find them.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
