Vanda – i don’t swim (2024)
With a reputation for provocative lyrics, moving melodies, and an insatiable attitude, singer-songwriter Vanda can elegantly ensnare your senses leaving you in a haze of sonic bliss. The US-based musician hit our radar a little while back with her 2022 release ‘Mario’; yet, despite keeping an eye on Vanda, she continues to astound with each single showcasing another facet of the songstress. Today, we take a look at her most recent single ‘i don’t swim’. Join us, won’t you?
Following her well-received singles ‘Stranger’ and ‘you just wanna drink w all your friends’, ‘i don’t swim’ shuffles to a more sophisticated branch of indie-pop/indie-folk. Breathing life into 90s alternative pop, Vanda weaves threads of nostalgic ballads into a shining contemporary rush of indie-pop. Interestingly, while there is growth in the harmonic symphony, a faint lilt to Vanda’s distinctive tone shimmers beneath the more mature tone.
Produced and penned with Joel Woods, ‘i don’t swim’ is a heartfelt exploration of more acoustic styles as compared to the previous dance-infused melodies. This is by no means flimsy or wistful. No, the step to a softer, more flowing, gentle and tender sound appears weightier and bolder than ever before. Organic instrumentation melds with Vanda’s rich vocals capturing raw and powerful emotion in simplistic, barebones starkness.
In my opinion, this fragile ambience is far more intoxicating than any of Vanda’s previous work. It by no means suggests her material lacks any substance; no, not at all. ‘i don’t swim’ just seems to be mature showing greater depth to Vanda’s musicality.
The melody itself is enchanting with whimsical breaths of pop interwoven with folk-esque harmonies. Yet, while the music is moving, it is the lyricism and theme that showcase deeper profoundness. Inspired by the passing of one her best friends, ‘i don’t swim’ “…reflects a period of deep personal reflection as Vanda draws from grief, resilience, and the complexities of personal identity…”
Sincere, sentimental and introspective, Vanda’s new single might be simplistic, but an overwhelming intoxication exists in the plain sonic wrapper. With an upcoming alternative pop album set for 2025, I cannot wait for more from this talented musician.
Find out more about Vanda on her official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more alternative pop on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Pop playlist:
