The upcoming debut album from Scott Apple, Darling Citizen, presents a richly woven tapestry of his personal evolution over the past five years. Recorded the past five years in Knoxville, TN, Darling Citizen offers a seamless blend of sounds with a folk-friendly emphasis, ideal for the summer-to-fall transition. The album narrates a journey of growth, reflecting on profound existential questions and the intimate moments of everyday life.
The album’s title track swells with a radiant intrigue. Warm guitar tones and bright organs intermingle cohesively, leading into emotive vocals that yearn for one to “hold me tightly, wrapped around your fingers.” Twinkling piano adorns the “you’ve been making plans” contrast, amidst self-contemplative observations on changes and expectations. The lyrics convey a sense of feeling in a transitional phase, while others around you flourish; it’s a relatable, and artfully presented sentiment.
“Lemonade Daydream” emerges with a subdued, bass-heavy envelopment — as references to “big plans,” and needing a hand continue the coming-of-age introspection. “Our love ebbs and flows,” the vocals ascend amidst tender guitar riffs, again showing Apple’s knack for evolving reflective verses into hooky, melodic escalations. Another compelling success arises in “Two-Tone,” capturing the point when “something changed,” and bringing forth a more optimistic realization following progressions of self-discovery. Andrea Marie’s backing vocals add beautifully during the powerful chorus, exuding a folk-pop charm.
Apple’s versatile songwriting is evident in “Misfit,” which moves into a brisker pop-friendly territory following tracks with a more folk-rock radiance. Bouncy bass lines and debonair vocals align with mellow guitar melodies, expanding into a soaring elongation at mid-point and then a multi-vocal layering within the satisfying conclusion. The subsequent “Everything” is more understated, melding caressing acoustics and harmoniously delicate vocals with an anthemic folk-pop culmination.
A nostalgic, hazy guitar-laden retrospection takes hold on “So It Goes,” arising into twangy smoothness amidst a lyrical literary appreciation for the written word and the power of expression — evolving gorgeously into the title-touting refrain. A sparser folk sound stirs on “Evergreen,” concluding the album with a comforting glow. Whistling and jangling guitars align with a twinkling breeziness for an ethereal charm, as the lyrics reflect: “when you cry, you’ll be on my mind.” Depictions of perseverance and love are evident, playing with an artful and personable enjoyment. Scott Apple’s Darling Citizen is a strongly memorable showcase in quality songwriting and satisfying melodic escalations.
Darling Citizen releases on August 1st.
