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I've never done a review here before and before today I had never heard the artist I will be reviewing either but here goes. The artist's name is SMDGE. and the track in question is 'Settle Down', a track from a forthcoming album entitled 'Without Hurting'. SMDGE. is listed on this site as an Electronica artist, which might lead you to be a bit surprised when hearing their music for the first time, as I was. A quick glance at the Artist's Store shows up a number of previous LP and EP releases, quoting comparisons to, among others 'Snow Patrol' and 'Coldplay'. So not your typical Electronica artist then, more of an Indie/alternative Pop artist with some Electronica stylings added for good measure. Still labels mean nothing really, do they?
On to the song then. It opens with a simple but catchy, repeating acoustic guitar riff. When the vocal comes in with all its crystal clarity and perfectly captured emotion you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a major label recording artist, think 'Snow Patrol' again and you won't be too far away. The first 'chorus' comes and we have the introduction of a perfectly produced string accompaniment and also a female harmony vocal, both of which help to lift the brilliantly simple melody up towards anthem territory. "I know that we could be making futures tonight" a line that could set a thousand lighters swaying in unison. The second verse introduces the percussion for the first time as the track starts to settle into it's beat. More strings and piano harmonies pulling you into a blissfully relaxed but tingling state. "Is it okay if I steal your lies, Is it okay if I make them mine?", lyrical quality in this song is for me excellent. As the end of the second verse comes the track starts to build towards its crescendo with the repeating line "You are my home" introducing multilayered harmonies, before the swell goes down and fades away to be left with a single note on the piano.
To overplay the quality of the vocals in this song, both lead and harmony, would be practically impossible. Never showy or over the top thay are just simple and perfect for the song. The simplicity of the structure of this song is one of it's biggest assets. Snow Patrol had a HUGE hit with Chasing Cars and this track is right in that sort of vein. I for one pleasantly surprised and impressed by the professional quality of this track (and indeed all the tracks on the artist's page). So, what are you waiting for? Settle Down and relax with a great slice of professional and contemporary Indie/Pop/Alternative/Electronica/Whatever, just enjoy it.
Craig
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Acoustic
