The South Hill Experiment Double A-side Review
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The new double A-side release from The South Hill Experiment, consisting of brothers Baird and Gabe Acheson, presents two songs that incorporate a compelling blend of indie and dream pop with hints of jazz which, with a run time of just under 4 and a half minutes, transcends the listener to another state of mind in such a short span of time.
Water Water, the first song, centres around a swirling synth pattern that intensifies the dreamy elements with a soft drum pattern, smooth bass lines and delicate falsetto vocals supplementing alongside to further evoke this style.
The lyrics lean into scenes of nature, such as trees and the sea, with an underlying sense of heartbreak with themes of lacking purpose, tears and holding on.
The Drain continues with the dream pop indie blend with a more electronic heavy vibe, seemingly placing the focus on the drum pattern and having the other instruments layered underneath. This song consists mainly of an instrumental break, sandwiched between two vocal verses that really draws the attention to the interesting instrumentation and emphasises how the sounds blend and build up to encourage the emotion to the listener.
The first verse, during which the instruments start to build to their peak, illustrate the feeling of being lost and meeting someone who helps you see the light with the second verse, taking place as the instruments are fading to silence, exhibiting the idea of being put back into the dark after the person lets you go. This enhances the intenseness of the instrumentation and perfectly compliments the style.
Both songs coherently combine the vocal performances and the emotions of the lyrics with the illusive and ethereal melodies which hook the listener from the first play.
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