An ardent showing from Cass & Crossland, “The Death of Maggie Simon” shows the Phoenix-based duo’s songwriting might. Stirring strings, intermingling vocal harmonies, and serene acoustics join for a naturally engaging folk sound, amidst touching vocals and lyrics. “It’s about the journey of losing someone to something out of your control and the questions and emotions that play in one’s head throughout that process,” the duo says of the track. “The title is a nod; the song is inspired lyrically and sonically by the luscious and depthful mixes of Maggie Rogers.”
The vocal work on “The Death of Maggie Simon” is riveting and lively from the get-go, initially accompanied by spirited acoustics with a subtly chugging rhythm guitar backing. Sweeping strings are integrated thereafter alongside slight percussion, with descriptive vocals around 01:18 joining especially well with the strings. Throughout, “The Death of Maggie Simon” impresses with flourishing production and stellar melodic choices.
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“The Death of Maggie Simon” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of December 2020’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.