Showing a melodic balance of dream-pop and jangling rock, the Elegies EP is a compelling new release from New York-based duo navel grazr, comprising vocalist/guitarist Anjali Nair and producer/multi-instrumentalist Dominic Dellaquila.
The release’s themes take inspiration from Nair’s experiences as an Indian American, who moved to the United States as a child. Navigation of one’s personal identity — within ensuing emotions of memory, distance, belonging, and loss — resonate within a sound that succeeds in both lush introspection and rock-forward vigor.
Heavy mystique shows on the opening “Heads Will Roll,” meshing ominous lyrical momentum — “heads will roll, when the blade is descended on,” — with an escalating vocal satiation. “Sun Doesn’t Rise” is another stunner, captivating especially when wordless vocals and glistening guitar twangs combine into the “I’m not the kid you remember,” fierceness. Themes of personal growth resonate alongside the melodic range of synths and guitar bursts.
“Two Funerals” is another stellar showcase, concluding with enthusiastic guitar tones and dreamy vocal adornments. “I Know I’ll End Up Like You” shows a stellar introspection in its starry-eyed synths and guitar pulses, capping off the excellent Elegies EP.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
