With the release of the second single anticipating her upcoming debut EP, set to arrive in early 2022, Melanie MacLaren adds her own sweet and gentle Nashville sound to the indie-folk landscape. With a sound and aesthetic executed with competence and heart, “Melbourne” is the name of the track that will have you dancing and feeling the heartbreak of giving yourself up for someone that wouldn’t do the same.
The fingerstyle guitar, right from the intro, adds an intimate touch alongside with the gentle drums and tambourine giving the song this melancholic bounce that feels nostalgic–remembering the good times with a bittersweet longing. Her soft, almost whispered vocals feel personal, adding a glimpse into her intimate emotions, as if MacLaren is giving the same piece of herself to you that she did to the character in the song. Melodically sweet, the progression unfolds behind her vocals to fully accentuate how harmoniously the two fit together –her vocals really are something beautiful. The instrumental post-chorus is a cute and refreshing break that smoothly weaves right back into the next verse.
Blending traditional folk styles–the endearing fiddle is beautiful–with modern lyricism and synths, MacLaren is following in the footsteps of mainstream indie-folk, capturing the same tones and emotive storytelling techniques that artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus have pioneered into a female dominated genre. Her intricate guitar plucking is complex yet calming; her voice is like cuddling up next to a cozy fire as fall becomes winter – like a gentle affirmation. Each of the instruments and melodies fit together to add to the pensive tone of the song.
On the whole, “Melbourne” is a strong single from a promising young artist to watch.
