Streetlight Eyes – i’m having trouble getting dressed (2022)
The brainchild of singer-songwriter and producer Andrew Bailey, Streetlight Eyes is a boundary-breaking rush of creativity in contemporary society. Influenced by Frank Ocean, Charli XCX, Bright Eyes and Lil Peep, Bailey fuses elements of indie-rock, pop and rap in his sound. While this is my first experience of the US-based Streetlight Eyes, Bailey has been composing and producing material for several years. In fact, he has received coverage from online radio stations and playlists. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘i’m having problems getting dressed’.
Following his five-track EP What We’ve Called Ugly where Bailey showcases an understanding of various genres, ‘i’m having problems getting dressed’ adopts a far more dream-pop style by the young artist. Produced on Bailey’s laptop, the track has a strong synth-driven vibe with a wistful ambience in the flowing haze of music. Yet, while the melodic arrangement is smooth and flowing, there is a melancholic sentimentality within the overall composition. It is this juxtaposition between a lulling melody and hopeless lyricism that is truly captivating.
Describing the track as “emo dream-pop”, Streetlight Eyes creates a poetic, elegant and intriguing song with ‘i’m having problems getting dressed’. Writing from personal experiences, the intimacy and depth within the narrative connect with listeners on another level. In fact, the incorporation of Evelyn Staats vocals enhances the message of dealing with unrequited love and desperate circumstances. What is even more intriguing is that Staats is at the core of this pool of despair, confusion and inner conflict being the only girl to dump him. It’s cool though, they don’t let that affect their friendship. Still unrequited love? Maybe, but at least it’s great for this evocative content.
For more from Streetlight Eyes check out his Instagram and Spotify.
