by dan d’arpe
Singer-songwriter Mae Krell shines in her continued ability to craft songs which obliterate listeners, delivering a new single that is perfect both for the waning peak of summer, and an excellent introduction for her upcoming sophomore album, lullabies for the soul that stuck around. A project which aims to “come to terms with the fact that the hard things you went through weren’t necessarily your fault, but they are still yours to carry.”
“the burden” is both airy and poignant, delivering heavy introspection — and even heavier truths —that sit somewhere deep. Opening with a memorizing, dream-like combination of soulful humming and soothing guitar, the song perfectly captures a sense of being within a dream: both intangible, yet simultaneously vivid. Written following an episode of sleep paralysis, Krell’s poignant lyrics, “I have everything I’ve ever wanted, but I still can’t sleep at night,” shine a moving spotlight on fear, but not in a hysterical sense. Instead, it’s of a quieter quality, as much reflective as it is mournful. An opening line that truly feels almost timeless in how relatable it can be, regardless of age or circumstance.
With that aforementioned meditative melody in the background, the artist delivers a poignant vocal performance that reminds listeners that growth is not always linear. The lyrics reflect on issues of body image, and how trauma is something which can touch and effect life in far reaching ways, shaping how we view ourselves. A contemplative Krell admits, “I think the burden of being me / weighs less when I do / weighs more when I do” in a final send off that lingers in the air well after the track has ended.
“the burden” is the absolute perfect showcase for Mae Krell’s soft but powerful voice, which has an electric ability to be the perfect conduit to so many intersecting and crashing emotions. When mixed with the string section — which includes guitars, and gradually builds to include a soft backing of drums — the effect is truly an emotionally devastating (almost) 4 minutes. Yet it’s 4 minutes that is also unquestionably beautiful.
Three more singles are expected to drop before the album’s November release. And fans will have the exciting opportunity to Mae Krell this August and September, as she lends a helping hand to support Ethan Jewell on his Growing Together Tour.