London-based artist BERENICE captivates with an evolving, heartfelt sound on new single “Step Inside,” which expands seamlessly between folk, pop, and rock realms. The release is also a thematic success, artfully capturing the push and pull between self-protection and the desire to be known. “I’m fascinated by how fears manifest in the smallest details, how something as simple as opening a door can symbolise an entire war between vulnerability and self-preservation,” she says. “Step Inside plays with that tension: the invitation to come closer, the fear of being seen, the question of whether someone will stay.”
Sporadic piano pulses and trickling acoustics complement a riveting vocal introspection to start. “If a monster’s hiding by the corner, you’re gonna run before you say goodbye,” BERENICE lets out, questioning one’s commitment and willingness to stay during strife. An escalated vocal passion takes hold thereafter, captivating especially as electric guitars, reflective vocal harmonies, and brisker rhythms converge. “Would you wanna step inside?” a haunting refrain punctuates that riveting central hook, moving cohesively thereafter into the more contemplative verses.
“Sometimes I feel this door might crack like grass,” BERENICE’s vocals continue, continuing to artfully capture insecurities regarding things crashing down — and ultimately asking whether letting someone in is worth it. The final minute is especially dynamic, venturing from rousing rock heights to a dreamier folk yearning with sharply seamless effect. “Step Inside” is a fantastic, tonally eclectic showcase in quality songwriting from BERENICE.
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
