Clown was written with Hana Eid in the summer of last year. A video of Olivia and Hana singing it purportedly went viral on TikTok in September.
The subsequent recording of the song is, naturally, the one we’re reviewing here. Montgomery says of the finished song, “I tried to keep the feel of the track raw while still adding different elements to make it interesting”.
Ostensibly an anti-folk ballad, there are some real classic components here. The acoustic guitar is the backbone; it’s joined by some gorgeous piano, and the delicious slide guitar is the star of the show early on. But that’s where the typical conventions end.
A blend of Phoebe Bridgers-style acerbic barbs and Billie Eilish-esque earnestness – “Does she taste better when you’re lying to me?” Olivia sings as this painful sentiment is backed up by screeching background noises and ambient textures – that we _think_ are generated by electric guitars, blasts of distorted fuzz, and weird synths.
Released on February 13th as a kind of “anti-Valentine’s Day song,” this approach to the release perfectly encapsulates the song’s sentiment. “When you’re with her do you think of me? / Every time she’s taking off your jeans / Before you close your eyes and go to sleep / When you’re with her do you think of me?” she sings as she strikes a unique balance between sadness and anger.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
