Ann King – Merry-Go-Round (2024)
Originally entering the music scene as ANEMARY in 2015, the Dutch singer-songwriter pursued her dream as a musician; however, it was in 2018 that she redirected her passion for music and evolved with a new attitude to Ann King. Currently based in the Netherlands, she takes inspiration from acts like Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift and Adele honing a pop style but with a unique turn. Leaning further to a darker alternative-pop tone, King’s cinematic soundscape encompasses all human emotion in a swirl of moving melodies and poetic lyricism.
Following her well-received 2023 EP Ruin Me, ‘Merry-Go-Round’ is the title track from her latest five-track EP. Ending 2023 with soulful tunes like ‘Side Effects’ and ‘Ruin Me’, Ann King saunters into 2024 with something, well, rather indescribable. If need be, I would slip ‘Merry-Go-Round’ into an alternative pop folder; however, King’s versatility and innovation wrap listeners in an exuberant flood of blues, soul and pop. Kaleidoscopic and confusing, the bright lights spin about but there is a clear anchor to the tune in Ann King’s rich vocals.
A songstress whose music must be experienced rather than merely heard, Ann King’s ‘Merry-Go-Round’ is exactly what it says on the tin: a merry-go-round of suffocating, dizzying, heady styles and sounds. Eager to head off on the merry-go-round of melodic fun, we take a deep breath preparing to face a jovial slice of upbeat optimism in the three-minute tune; but the soulful surface is tinged with tumultuous vulnerability and intricate complexity evoking raw emotions in the listener. So, it’s like preparing for a simple merry-go-round only to be tossed about in a vortex of whirling insanity dipping into your heart with soul-stirring finesse.
Bringing her personal journal entries to audiences, Ann King’s tune is a conversation with a dear friend about poignant memories and profound truths. ‘Merry-Go-Round’ is a darker, deeper, more desperate song addressing a “me too” situation. Co-written and produced by King, her artistic skill shines through in each aspect exploring challenging themes. As gut-wrenching and heart-breaking as the lyricism appears to be, a sense of empowerment and solace is heard with a “you are not alone” attitude.
Find out more about Ann King on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover new alternative pop musicians on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Pop playlist:
