A standout new track from Oslo-based band Small Boy, “Why Am I Leaving” expands from a bass-fronted art-pop pulse into a vibrant, soaring rock delectability. The band describe the release as “a song about wanting to come closer, only to withdraw before the first sign of pain and connection.”
“I think I’m in love now, for the first time,” the vocals let out. The twangy adornments plays with resonating effect amidst the spirited vocal refrain, bolstered past the three-minute mark with charming, effervescent percussive expansion and vocal vibrancy. The woozy synth-laden effects, around the two-minute turn, also plays compellingly into this section. “Why Am I Leaving” is a replay-inducing success from Small Boy.
Vocalist Daniel Lien elaborates further on the track:
“I try not to blame other people for my problems, the life you lead is entirely your responsibility. That song is an attempt to recognise that, and place the blame where it belongs. I’m the one leaving, why am I leaving, and do I have unreasonable expectations of how intimate you can be with someone? Also, you’ll never be as weird as the people you kiss.”
Stream wail:
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2022’ Spotify playlist.
