Arrowleaf - Getting By
ARROWLEAF RELEASES LUSH, SHIMMERING ‘GETTING BY’
Missoula, Montana-based indie-rock outfit Arrowleaf recently released Getting By, a 12-track collection of yummy songs about surrendering the illusion of control.
Arrowleaf
When confronted with disconcerting current events, Arrowleaf’s Sarah Marker is learning to become more practical. She explains, “I’m only in control of what I can be in control of. I can’t handle all of this at once, as one person.”
Recorded in Marker’s home studio, Getting By delves into the value of reducing frustration by recognizing that feelings of hopelessness stem from believing one can somehow control the status quo. The songs on Getting By offer listeners a significant reminder – the difference between giving up and giving in is vast.
Fronted by singer-songwriter Sarah Marker, Arrowleaf is made up of Brady Schwertfeger, Jim Frazer Riach, Amanda Ceaser, and John Filkins.
The album begins with “Spinning Circles,” opening on oscillating tones flowing into a deep droning moan as flickering accents and Marker’s sumptuous voice rolls by on dreamy textures. Once the rhythm enters, the melody takes on washes of shoegaze flavors, at once dark and luminous.
Elusively bewitching, “Middle Name” conjures up memories of Fleetwood Mac crossed with The Cranberries.
Speaking subjectively, entry points include “Thrift Store Dukes,” traveling on a driving rhythm full of gleaming guitars and tight drums. Blending hints of country-pop with luscious indie-rock, the song delivers tasty vocals and platinum-colored guitars.
Creamy dream-pop hues make “Nothing To Say” a personal favorite. Jangly guitars, soft rinses of glittering tones, and Marker’s deluxe timbres invest the tune with tantalizing, wistful coloration reminiscent of The Cranberries. A bright trumpet imbues the harmonics with brilliance.
“Middle Name” features a low-slung rhythm capped by gently shimmering guitars, while Marker’s delectable voice and glowing harmonies infuse the lyrics with warm tendrils. Elusively bewitching, “Middle Name” conjures up memories of Fleetwood Mac crossed with The Cranberries.
Another stellar track is “HDYK,” undulating on soothing waves of sound as Marker’s redolent voice imbues the lyrics with pensive tones. Whereas the slow, drifting flow of “Mtn Peak” is both scrumptiously hazy and haunting.
Arrowleaf has it going on! Without a doubt, Getting By is one of the year’s best indie albums – simultaneously stylish and polished.
