Grace Bloom completely won my heart with her upcoming single “Stomach Ache”. The track dives deep into the intensely personal frustrations and isolation of living with chronic pain and the immense pressure to keep performing despite it. But even with such a heavy and emotionally taxing theme, the song itself is so incredibly dreamy. It has this wonderfully catchy pop hook and jangly guitars that draw obvious, yet tasteful, inspiration from artists like Belle and Sebastian. It honestly feels like the perfect indie rock song, turning a difficult reality into an infectious tune.
What really stands out to me is the impeccable songwriting and overall arrangement. The energy build throughout the track is just so genuinely energizing, driven by a melodic bass and absolutely brilliant, in-the-pocket instrumentation. It’s rare to find a mix that tackles chronic health struggles while still being best described as entirely soothing. Everything sits so nicely together, allowing the emotional message to deeply connect without overwhelming the listener. Honestly, if I were to think about room for improvement, I draw a blank. This song should honestly be an industry standard for how to write and mix a thoughtful, vulnerable indie pop track. It beautifully bridges the gap between personal struggle and universal appeal.
Take a listen to “Stomach Ache” below.
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Written by Oluwaseun Adeyemi
