VERA – Lo-Fi (2024)
I’m unsure whether Ireland-based VERA was meant to be a band or rather a serendipitous fusion of musical creativity that couldn’t be ignored. Technically formed in the studio and evolving from singer-songwriter Sarah Toner’s solo project, Darragh Tibbs (drums), Matt Holland (guitar and keys) and David Dalzell (bass) find an experimental mish-mash of indie-rock, grunge, soul and alternative rock in their melodies. Anything but pedestrian, VERA’s genre diversity is inimitable and emerges as a sound entirely VERA and no one else. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Lo-Fi’
Following the well-received single ‘Leave Me Alone’, ‘Lo-Fi’ takes VERA in an entirely different direction with a grittier tone. Yes, ‘Leave Me Alone’ offers a flush of nostalgic alternative rock meets grunge; however, ‘Lo-Fi’ ups the ante taking listeners along a sonic journey of alternative rock, punk and grunge. Moreover, instead of merely smooshing the genres together, ‘Lo-Fi’ brims with avant-garde sensibility grafting an eclectic rush of highs, lows, grit and grime.
An immersive experience, ‘Lo-Fi’ leads you into a whirlpool of kaleidoscopic rush of pounding drums, soaring guitars, shimmering keys, and bold bassline. Sinking into your skin, the music grips your heart and ensnares your senses; however, while ‘Lo-Fi’ slowly engulfs you in the hard-hitting music, a rushed sense of gut-wrenching brashness clings to the sides. Mind-twirling and soul-stirring you can easily become lost in the song.
The melody itself is intriguing brimming with an obscure unconventionalism, but it is the lyrics that showcase profound depth. Beautifully executed in Toner’s rich vocals, the song tackles the complexities of life, love and human vulnerability. Ten Hail Marys explains:
“’Lo-Fi’ is a song about being disillusioned with love and the pursuit of happiness. It describes how we, through the pain of a breakup, seek solace in mundanity rather than idealised notions of happiness. The song reflects the mix of longing and resignation we feel as we push through the physical and emotional toll of heartbreak.”
Find out more about VERA on their Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
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