shy blossom – All I Wanted (2023)
Born into a family of musicians, singer-songwriter Adriana McDonald was surrounded by music all her life. Her father played in various bands during her childhood and family reunions were peppered with performers; needless to say, she embraced her musical passion early on. Even before she picked up a guitar, she was writing lyrics capturing the core of human experiences in intimate poetry.
Helmed by frontman Adriana McDonald, the rock band shy blossom is a minnow flitting about sonic sharks. The thing is, just as the group is still an upcoming act, her confident stage presence and bold melodies are turning heads across the globe. From the UK to Ireland, the USA and France, shy blossom has been described as a profound musical gem with pitch-perfect masterpieces. Come with me as we dive into her world with her debut single ‘All I Wanted’.
Influenced by artists like Lizzy McAlpine, Fiona Apple and Lana Del Rey, McDonald brings an intimate femininity to the music; however, add the inspiring Radiohead and Coldplay and you bring a rock-influenced edge to shy blossom. Engineered, mixed and produced by Howard “Merlin” Wulkan, ‘All I Wanted’ finds the line between acoustic and electric instrumentation and then blurs it. Using a simplistic acoustic guitar and steady drums, McDonald lures you into her ballad…then it gets real.
Wulkan’s scorching electric guitars match Pierson Whicker’s pounding drums and Chris Rosseau’s bold bass as McDonald tips you into a sonic hurricane. Back and forth you fly through the air in whimsical ambience and ride the rollercoaster from soothing acoustic verses to pulsating rock choruses. All the while, McDonald’s haunting vocals navigate the melancholic mire of yearning, obsession and vulnerable desire.
What I enjoy about ‘All I Wanted’ is not the intimate lyricism or the magical melody but rather the sophistication of the track. Wulkan elegantly waves his wand over ‘All I Wanted’ leaving the song with a polished maturity, but in the same breath, there is a rugged grittiness capturing the desperate theme. Similarly, McDonald’s vocals have a smoothness and poise lingering beneath the surface but raw innocence and gut-wrenching fragility ooze from every word.
In addition to the single, shy blossom released an official music video for ‘All I Wanted’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from shy blossom, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more alternative rock music on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
