Enjoyable contrasts persist throughout “Compassion Fatigue,” both in its thematic approach and melodic array — from lushly textured intrigue to anthemic rock escalations. The invigorating track comes via Baltimore-based band Palm Trees In Moscow, the project of singer/songwriter Chris Frantz. In its themes, the release explores empathy and apathy — specifically “about riding the razor’s edge” between them. Bursting sequences of guitars arise alongside submerged vocal immersion, exuding a shoegaze-friendly appeal; MBV comes to mind especially, with the woozy tonal shiftiness.
Weary vocals and quaint guitar twangs lead the first sequence, producing a lovely expanse that simultaneously soars and produces a dreamy allure. The “die on my knees,” vocal sequence kickstarts this, traversing into a serene vocal disposition and blast of gorgeous guitar distortion thereafter. The first minute alone showcases a dynamic tonal charge that compels across nocturnal quaintness and bursting guitar textures, enjoyably representing Frantz’s compelling songwriting.
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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.