Sandra Kluge – Beholden To No One (2024)
With the aim of creating a place of solace, understanding, comfort and connection, singer-songwriter Sandra Kluge wishes to embrace audiences with her eclectic sound. Many artists diverge from traditional styles and genres seeking something new; Kluge stands tall using tap percussion. An internationally claimed musician, the US-based Kluge has performed at notable festivals, including the tap ahead festival and Festival de Musique Improvisée de Lausanne, collaborated with performers like Thomas Marek, and even had her composition ‘Anything = Everything’ commissioned by the International Contemporary Ensemble. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Beholden To No One’.
Following her well-received 2023 sophomore single ‘Misty Rose’, ‘Beholden To No One’ shifts from the dreaminess of dream-pop to an obscure avant-garde tone with a lingering feel of acid jazz, in my opinion. Using tap percussion as the primary instrument, the single has an upbeat, off-kilter infectiousness; however, the synths peeking through the melody give the tune a softer, gentler element regardless of the powerful tap.
Melodically, ‘Beholden To No One’ is a staggering sonic sensation that is inimitable and even more difficult to completely describe – more feeling than just listening. Yet, it is the lyricism that adds depth to an already intricate tune. Focusing on themes of self-worth, ‘Beholden To No One’ is a tribute to self-love, acceptance and celebrating your individuality. Kluge explains:
“The song is about being your own best friend, and the freedom that comes from the realisation that you can be anything you want to be without needing permission from anybody else…”
Sincere, sentimental, and honestly a fun song made to enjoy, ‘Beholden To No One’ is a breath of fresh air on those days that seem suffocating.
In addition to the single, Sandra Kluge released an official music video for ‘Beholden To No One’. You can view the video below or on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Sandra Kluge on her official website, Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more avant-garde music on The Other Side Reviews Avant Garde playlist:
