SSAANN is a solo project of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based pianist and singer Melissa Simes, which began in 2018. In 2021, it became a 4-piece band. They have been performing at local festivals and venues, and this is their newest single. According to their website, they are “best interpreted as indie dream pop, sharing hypnotic echoes, mellow reverb and harmonies on Simes’ vocals, lush synth and vast guitar textures, driving drums, and a strong bass presence.” They oscillate on the verge of pop music but still draw heavily on shoegaze, as heard in this single. The bands have successfully blended shoegaze with dream pop, creating mesmerizing, lush ecstasy.
“Drifting through the quiet ache of trying to reconcile with the past, Wade represents the haunting beauty and bittersweet liminality of looking back at life’s unresolved relationships. Caught between guilt, regret, and grace, its washed guitars and dreamy vocals evoke the feeling of driving through rain, ruminating on words spoken and unspoken. Wade’s immersive soundscape stretches and contracts like the passing of time itself, slowly yet quickly, reflecting an offering of unwanted love.”
The quote above describes the new single so well that I have decided to share it in full so you can connect with the track on the same level as the band feels. The single is being released by indie label Broken Palace [Records], accompanied by a video that adds another layer to the song’s dreaminess.
A catchy, underlying melody, driven by stellar drumming, dreamy vocals, and never-ending shoegaze-reverb guitars, creates a mesmerising combination that will capture your ears. It reminded me a little bit of Beach Fossils and their beachy surfy indie rock, which has been my favourite thing. I have been captivated by the atmosphere the song is creating. The melody is well-constructed and draws me back to it again and again, like a strong magnet.
The sun is shining on the opposite building I see from my flat window; the sun rays are reflected in the windows and scattered around our neighborhood. The leaves are almost gone, the weather is cold, but my heart is warmed by the sun and the music I have in my ears. I have been blasting and completely zoning out of the outside world.
The song is quite climactic towards the end, and even though I’m not heavy on instrumental solos in general, this ending was phenomenal. Creating such a powerful, mesmerizing atmosphere, I could just lose myself in it.
Fantastic piece of work, and I am intrigued to hear more from this Wisconsin-based band. Fingers crossed, it will be as good as this latest offering.
Written by Filip Zemcik
