As I started listening to “Speaking Kindness”, the latest single from Toronto-based bedroom pop artist Earthly Remains, I realized I had never seen a song described as “sadcore” before. I took note of this tag on the artist’s Soundcloud page, letting the vibes sink in before I hit play.
Following up their May EP release “Enigma”, this single has a bit of a slower pace, but with a lot of the same energy and flow. It opens with a deep thrumming baseline and a melancholy chord pattern, accompanied by a fairly minimal drum beat. As the vocals come in, a sort of mysterious sadness pervades the opening verse.
“Head rush // World’s spinning ’round again // Noxious substances kicking in // I’m rewired”
As I ponder what noxious substances the author is writing about, I wrestle with the sense of darkness and unease that it makes me feel. The guitar alternates between arpeggios and steady strumming as it continues into the chorus.
“I don’t mind the awkward silence // Knowing smiles, never speaking kindness”
The song moves onward with a consistent rhythm, blending lingering distorted guitar chords with cryptic yet relatable lyrics. These words remind me of how sometimes we simply don’t get the energy we want to receive from others, especially when we are struggling ourselves.
“Way of life is unsustainable // In its clutches, got no time to kill // I’m ready, I’m ready”
As the song fades away, I’m left with the sense that there is something universally relatable about the mix of tension and release that exists within this song. Earthly Remains has struck a neat balance with this one, and I’m definitely excited to see what they put out next.
Written by Jason Toby
