“Shade of Love” is a charismatic throwback rocker from Nashville-based band Calico Mantra, invoking an orchestral punch and glam-friendly vocal emotion. The twangy guitars and violin charms pair with debonair vocals for a sound that reminds fondly of a cross between ELO, T Rex, and Foxygen. A stellar throwback engrossment shows, with a plethora of excitable, hooky moments. The title-touting chorus is especially memorable, featuring an ascending vocal emotion that glides amidst the heart-tugging strings and wailing guitars; the lavish orchestral push around 02:30 cements that ELO-esque lovability.
The band describes this lovable ’60s and ’70s-inspired gem as the following: “Just about someone who is cocky about themselves, but at the same time depressed at the life their leading. I guess it’s about wanting someone who’s on the same depressed wavelength as you to hold you.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock. Stream the playlist below:
