Imaginary Family’s ‘Mirage’, marks Joanna Isselé’s second single release of the year, after April’s ‘How We Have Changed’. ‘Mirage’ is a stunning indie-folk ballad, sounding somewhere between the traditional folk stylings of Joan Baez, and the atmospheric gothic folk of Laura Marling. It is a winning combination. Isselé’s voice is nothing but haunting, landing in a space between ethereal yearning and grounded brutalism. Her guitar accompanies her, with thumping yet clear rhythm, again calling to mind Scandinavian traditional folk songs. Just before the halfway mark, the song expands in scope, with thunderous drums coming in alongside a choral bass. ‘Mirage’ reverberates as if it is taking place inside a cathedral with the highest of ceilings imaginable. It is a moody track, yet there is lightness that finds it’s way through.
Imaginary Family is set to release her debut album in the autumn of 2024, and if ‘Mirage’ is anything to go by, you can expect to hear atmospheric folk odysseys, all accompanied by the singular vocals of Joanne Isselé. Keep your eyes peeled for that release date as you will surely not want to miss this one.
Written by Callum Foulds