Acclaimed indie-folk singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers returns with a haunting, atmospheric new LP titled “As Above.”
This is a contemplative release filling a void in the market as listeners are hungry for slow-building, emotionally naked albums on existential contemplation and inner turmoil. Bridgers has continued to differentiate herself by opting for calm, sorrowful beauty over pop clichés. This is the track where she explores dualism, spiritual tension and the quiet burden of personal grief under an open sky.
The production creates a subtle emotional backdrop of fingerpicked acoustic guitar patterns, whispered piano chords and warm ambient synth washes. A subtle, slow-tempo pulse of percussion gently rolls under the arrangement, keeping the song down but still ghostly and weightless. Meanwhile, the clean mix has lots of breathing room and her vocal performance glides directly to the front.
On the tune, Bridgers makes her statement with her signature whispery approach and understated melodic power. She sails over the slow, laid-back tempo of the song, switching seamlessly between personal, low-register lyrics and sweeping harmonies that ache with calm tenderness. She has a measured manner of delivering her phrases which gives a sorrowful, extremely intimate atmosphere and draws you in from the very first note.
The songwriting is based around the age-old theme of duality, exploring how the inner turmoil inside is mirrored in the world outside. Bridgers reflects on fate and longing and striving for meaning when life is too much. A powerfully reassuring song of abstraction for introspective minds, with vivid imagery, beautiful language and sharp emotional candor.
Everything works perfectly together across this record for a thorough, emotionally touching sonic experience. The subtle, filmic production pairs with her vocal vulnerability every step of the way through the album’s full duration.
This is a definite add to your late nite contemplating and silent meditation playlists right now. As Above is now streaming on all digital music platforms!
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