New York-based artist Rachael Sage shows a stirring cohesion of folk and pop on her new album, The Other Side. Its 15 tracks present a heartfelt enticement, interweaving a modern folk flourishing with elements of ’70s and ’80s nostalgia. Hooky reveals and poignant, emotive lyrical narratives are plentiful throughout.
The opening “Whistle Blow” is exemplary of Sage’s compelling songwriting, particularly in its expanses from contemplative verses to rousing escalations. “In the middle of the night I can hear your voice,” the vocals let out, driving into gorgeous brass components alongside twangy guitar additions. The soothing, organ-touched folk sound enamors here and throughout the release.
Also featuring a music video, “The Other Side” presents a brighter charm, with its bass and organ infusions driving into a soaring guitar adornment that shifts into ballad-ready piano tones, approaching the three-minute turn. The “hope you will be with me,” refrain proves stirring, exuding a relatable yearning and hope for a more illuminated “other side.”
“When the truth reveals we all know less than nothing,” marks an entrancing sequence on the beautiful “Albatross,” conveying a sense of continual tumult and the role of perseverance. Brass and strings converge delightfully amidst the introspective lyrics, representing another success on an album full of them; its nearly hour-long runtime makes for a consistent showcase in emotively gripping songwriting and folk-pop aesthetical enamoring.
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“Whistle Blow” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
