Evelyn

Evelyn by BAYLEE DOWLING conveys passion in an indie rock package, exploring the atmosphere of working class life in Liverpool as well as covering his personal journey. This is a track of two halves as it also engages with the plights of an artist, the hopes and fears associated with getting attention in music. The line “I feel like everyone has their eyes on me” was especially meaningful. As a line alone, you would imagine this would be positive for a music artist.

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As a musician, you want that attention. However, the way it is delivered feels uncertain, as if it is almost too much, creating a sense of paranoia around the line. The delivery is also incredibly emotive, with this vocal run that follows the line up and down. The line felt emblematic of the contrast at the core of the track's sonic and melodic identity. The brass instrumentation is another excellent aspect. It provides an alternative timbre that heightens the track overall. I’m impressed by the track's ability to switch between emphasising the vocal register and the other tones in its melodic toolkits. The two ebb and flow beautifully in a way that elevates each of them with their contrast. The other aspect that stood out to me was this synth used throughout. It has this slight delayed punch to it that adds a syncopated effect, heightening the sonic complexity of the track and enriching the rhythm. The vocals excel throughout. You get the sense that BAYLEE DOWLING is truly feeling what they are singing. That candid sense of realism grounds the track in the narrative and also immerses the listener in the soundscape. On top of the melodic syncopation, the other rhythmic devices also use an avant grade styling, with a grinding crunching pulse that gives the track confidence as well as rhythm. Together it bounces off the counter rhythm to create complex layers of sonic texture. This track is as honest as it is cohesive. It’s got an energetic rhythm that you can move to and a complex narrative you can sink your teeth into as well. Check it out below!