“‘Urban Melancholia’ is about finding myself after years of searching,” - Sarah Krimson
London based singer-songwriter Sarah Krimson has released her sophomore six-track extended-play, Urban Melancholia.
The metaphorical lyrics and clever musical composition on this particular offering from the songstress is an incredible addition to her music discography. Following her debut EP, Burning London, Sarah Krimson’s aim to release aesthetically pleasing alternative, indie-pop music has paid off.
The alternative indie-pop genre flavourings throughout, Urban Melancholia, sets a certain tone that grips the listeners’ attention from the very first note on the opening track ‘September 15’. The tune symbolises the start of the journey of the songstress in London. It showcases the sound a person new to the place hears when wandering through the big city at night.
The title-track ‘Urban Melancholia’ features hopeful and intense tones. Inspired by ‘Nightcall’ by Kavinsky, she wanted a song that would infuse melancholic vibes with powerful energy that is immediately engaging with the gripping production paired with atmospheric and emotive vocals. The storytelling is a brief autobiography about the songstress’ experience when she first moved to London. Despite the cultural shock, setbacks, and lack of support from the people around her, she takes the enduring journey in pursuit of her dreams, all alone.
Next up, ‘Combo’ tells a story about the pursuit of the songstress’ dreams as she embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery. This is a resonating track to those who feel caught at a crossroads. The tune dives deep into the early stages of her career; from trying to find her unique sound to battling her inner demons. After losing herself to fear and self-sabotaging behaviours, the chaos of this particular story is told over a clutching production that will make the listener want to dance, prior to the story beautifully summing up on how she found herself again.
Following this, ‘Call Me Back’ has a wallowing and sorrowful vibe. The songstress sings about experiencing intrusive thoughts upon fearing to return to a certain place reopening old wounds and deepening her depression. Ending with a message that it was herself all along who could save her, this track is an undeniably delicate and beautiful track discussing heavy topics in a manner that will touch many souls.
Then ‘Spine’ has haunting melodies and poignant lyrics as it discusses a heart-wrenching story that delves into the complexities of a toxic relationship that lasted a decade. The songstress captivates the story of hurt that comes with a relationship with codependency and self-loathing.
Closing out the EP, ‘Bleeding Heart’ is a personal note from the songstress after spending years in therapy. With reflective tones regarding emotional triggers while battling her childhood traumas, and the need and inability to express herself, this is the rawest song on, Urban Melancholia.
Instrumentally, the production never misses a beat while following the hard-hitting lyricism throughout the EP. The flavourful emotions and tones, and effortless vocal abilities from the songstress makes this her best record yet. The vulnerability showcases her growth as a musical artist while broadening the listener's mind into this new era of music. Urban Melancholia, is a great addition to today’s music.