SINGLE REVIEW: See Emily Play – DO YOU LOVE ME

If nothing else, the latest single from north west-based See Emily Play offers deserves commendation for being thematically appropriate. The project of singer-songwriter Emily Ireland, previous singles have included the delightfully fun, folk-tinged ‘YOKO ONO WAS SEVEN YEARS OLDER THAN JOHN’, alongside ‘WHAT THE HELL IS BDD’, as Ireland explores the neurodivergent female experience through her colourful and quirky lens. This continues with her latest single, which truly makes See Emily Play feel less like a mere music project, and more like an inviting musical rabbit hole.

‘DO YOU LOVE ME’ is a brilliantly off-kilter pop rock number, threaded with subtle and unexpected blues and glam rock flair. Much of the track is dominated by a jagged, driving, and hypnotic guitar riff, on top of which Ireland’s vocals swirl with a smoky yet playful intensity; she encapsulates perfectly both a controlled desire, and a manic desperation, as she collides again and again with a lover potentially dangerous for her.

The verses surge into a soaring, spacious, harmony driven choruses that capitalise on the danceable undertones that permeate the track. It is, however, the smaller details that makes ‘DO YOU LOVE ME’ so particularly captivating. From the softly twinkling synths beneath the punchy guitar riffs, to the luscious vocal harmonies that underline the hard rock grit of Ireland’s big vocal moments, each layer of this track offers a new delightful sonic experience to behold.

What See Emily Play offers on this single is an intelligently and densely crafted pop anthem that demands repeated listens. There is a definite retro flair that will appeal to fans of 80’s material, but delivered with a modern energy and polish to ensure it doesn’t feel dated; the sound of an artist with a true understanding of who they are, and what they would like to offer.

For Fans Of: Scissor Sisters, Crawlers, Blondie, Queen Cult

Follow the artist on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify