Kristopher – Cage With No Key (2023)
The last time we heard Kristopher, we were on a sonic rollercoaster moving from slow to high-paced sounds in a rush of kaleidoscopic harmonies. His single ‘Swear To God’ captivates listeners in a chaotic melodic ocean reaching our hearts with raw innocence, and now he returns with ‘Cage With No Key’. Known for his brutally honest and innocent lyricism, Kristopher tends to capture the essence of mental health issues in his melodies shining a light on darker topics. Come with us as we delve once again into his intriguing repertoire.
As with his transition from folk-pop single ‘Indigo Sky’ to the soft rock ballad ‘Swear To God’, Kristopher once again shifts gear to a heartbreaking few minutes of indie-pop in ‘Cage With No Key’. Similar to Tom Odell, obscurity exists in Kristopher’s off-kilter vocals, but it is this lilt that brings a gut-wrenching tone to the new song. Kristopher oozes vulnerability as he sings about living with clinical depression. An almost tearful sliver of melancholic fragility flits through the melody; however, as painful and haunting as it may be, a comforting feeling of connection lurks in the tender vocals.
His dulcet tones can certainly tear at your heart and send a couple of tears down your cheek, but it is the barebones arrangement that intoxicates people. Aligning with his signature exploration of mental health issues – his personal struggles included, ‘Cage With No Key’ strips back the soft cushioning revealing isolated despair beneath. The stark piano cuts to your core as you drift across a river of confusion, frustration and anxiety. Yet, as the piano meets the vocals in this emotional ballad, mournful desolation is covered with a brilliant light of acceptance and empowerment.
“With ‘Cage With No Key’ I try to describe musically what I’ve never been able to effectively describe by words alone. Like too many others, I struggle with depression and know how isolating and overwhelming it can be. I hope this song can be a touchstone for those suffering to help feel and remind them that they are not alone…” – Kristopher on ‘Cage With No Key’
In addition to the single, Kristopher released an official lyric video for ‘Cage With No Key’. You can view the video below or via his official YouTube channel.
For more from Kristopher, check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
