‘…simplistic yet rich layers of vocal harmonies, bird song field recordings, and sparsely utilised keys. It’s an exceptionally well put together number…’
Valerie Melina is a singer-songwriter based out of northern Sweden, seeking to bring some throwback flair into the modern pop landscape. Describing her sound as being all at once bittersweet, danceable, and packed with yearning, Melina has been releasing music since 2023, with the release of her debut EP, ‘Red Lines‘. Two years later, and Melina is still continuing to hone her craft, with last month seeing her release the shimmering predominantly a Capella number, ‘Greed‘.
A striking number that details the moment you realise that, despite loving somebody, you aren’t what they need, ‘Greed‘ is built around simplistic yet rich layers of vocal harmonies, bird song field recordings, and sparsely utilised keys. It’s an exceptionally well put together number, with each of these simple elements coalescing into something that feels far grander than the sum of its parts; cinematic and shiver-inducing, yet without any loss of intimacy, vulnerability, or humanity.
These elements are decorated with Melina’s beautifully warm and compelling vocals. There is a striking tenderness to her performance, as she balances both a deep sorrow for love that cannot be reciprocated, and a joy for knowing somebody so wonderful. The simplicity of the musical backing enables her vocal performance to truly shine through, placing the spotlight squarely upon the complex spectrum of emotions she is able to convey.
Truly, ‘Greed‘ is an impressive feat of musicianship from start to finish. What this track demonstrates is that Melina is an artist who understands what her music requires, and when less is more. Simple additions, such as the bird song, elevate the track from a unique performance to one that carries a real yet strangely intangible emotive weight; to describe the emotions that this work induces is difficult in all of the best ways. A creative soul worthy of your attention.
For Fans Of: Tautumeitas, Billie Eilish, Ethel Cain, Eva Cassidy
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