Indigo Out – Just What Is (2022)
The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Mark Savidge, Indigo Out blends elements of dream-pop and indie-rock in a nostalgic soft rock blanket. With experience performing in various bands over the years, Savidge is not a complete newbie to the music scene; however, Indigo Out is now expressing his passion for music in this solo project. Despite having only three tracks to his name (one being the track we are reviewing), Savidge is already turning the heads of critics across the globe. Featured on Send Me Your Ears, Sinusoidal Music and Keep Walking Music, he has dipped his toe into the blogosphere. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Just What Is’.
Following his softer sophomore single ‘Figure It Out’, ‘Just What Is’ is a more upbeat dream-pop song with tinges of indie-rock throughout. The melodic combination of synths, guitars, drums and dulcet tones topple you into a sonic whirlpool within a kaleidoscopic soundscape. With his “love of over-stimulation”, Savidge elegantly shifts from steady instrumentation to delirious instrumental movements offering brilliant texturing. One of my favourite elements in this harmonic arrangement is the prominence of a brief electronic sample during a brief pause in the song. I don’t know why, but this is a true demonstration of Savidge’s eclecticism and innovation
With a nostalgic vibe in the obscure melody, you can lay back and enjoy its warmth; however, the lyricism adds insight that really connects with listeners. Savidge explains that ‘Just What Is’ touches on the acceptance of relenting to the present moment and the emotions felt. Interestingly enough, there is a contrast between the soothing melody and melancholic sense of anxiety in the lyricism. Don’t get us wrong, Savidge enjoys optimistic songs, but he often finds it “difficult to write them without feeling cheesy”. Instead, he uses intense intimacy to reflect on personal experiences…not in a melancholic way, just being real.
For more from Indigo Out check out his Instagram and Spotify.
