Beginning with a considered instrumental intro that sounds a bit like a fusion of cult favourite genres slowcore and trip-hop, the new single from the Pacific Northwest quartet Skylights is full of personality and individuality from the outset.
Developing gracefully and organically over its three minutes and forty-seven seconds, Skylights glides and lilts as lead singer Cierra Coloma Nelson swoons seductively against a backdrop that is colourful and unique. The music feels vibrant but also, in a somewhat contradictory way, quite subdued.
Coloma take the raw ingredients of genres as versatile and diverse as grunge, alternative rock, pop and shoegaze and extract elements that they skillfully mould into something that feels fresh and exciting.
The combination of Zac Crowe’s guitar, Patrick Smith on drums, and Mick Houser on bass (as well as holding it down behind the desk) reminds us of an assortment of acts. Off the top of our head, we’re getting suggestions of Lush, Lana Del Ray, Lozenge, Skunk Anansie, The Cure, Cocteau Twins, Mannequin Flowers, and more.
Lyrically, we’re told that the song “is about blaming oneself when something bad is done to us and slowly gaining the courage to expose the wounded parts of ourselves to the light”.
Melodic, pensive, sprawling and introspective, Skylights soars among the clouds and reaches for the stars.
Take a listen to Skylights below:
Written by Kinda Grizzly
