With only one previous release, multi-instrumentalist & singer Anstase is already an artist with a distinctive visual style & online presence. Written and recorded in her parents’ closet, ‘Doe Eyed Lover’ is the first song Anstase has ever written in its entirety, with every instrument on the track learned & played by ear by the artist herself (except drums, courtesy of Ryan Noelle).
The vocal leaps from the speakers from the first moment as it crackles with energy and precision. It’s right up close – we can hear every detail. It’s almost a jaunty melody at first, but a darkness soon descends, accompanied by just a bass at first, then guitar.
The rhythm feels disjointed in the best way – hitting in the spaces. It gives a feeling of standing on shifting sands – a little disorienting – but it keeps you on your toes.
I liked the crunch in the guitars, and they really fill the space from top to bottom, producing an insurmountable cliff face of distortion and fuzz.
Anstase’s vocal has quite a low, grungy tone – and their distance fluctuates throughout the song. Sometimes quite far back, sometimes closer. Her range is explored too, with a meandering melodic path.
‘Doe Eyed Lover’ moves through different moods – sometimes light and optimistic, but often raw and guttural – especially when mirrored by the guitars. I would categorise this as soulful, edgy indie.
It sounds like this release was a bit of a labour of love for Anstase. She writes that it took months of writing, rewriting, re-recording, doubting, scouting, begging, and faltering. She needn’t have worried. This is a huge step up from her 1st release, and feels like way more than the sum of its parts. It really does sound like a full band in full flow.
With an EP and live shows planned for 2026, Anstate had better start looking for some more bandmates – or maybe she could try cloning herself!
Written by Grubby
