DI LEO - “Pocket”
Oakland, CA-based genre-bending artist DI LEO arrives on our blog with “Pocket,” an energetic folk-infused dollop of indie.
“Pocket” begins with a lo-fi, barebones rhythm that supports the confident strums of an acoustic guitar, sweetly reminiscent of Bon Iver’s “For Emma.” But where DI LEO truly wins us over is in the vocal department, with a permanence that is warmly saturated in overdriven tubes, offering a nostalgic glaze of delicious analogue flavor.
Above the rawness of the arrangement, an ethereal tone sores like a distant UFO, filling in the cracks of the production with a hint of modernity. The gentle vocal swells on the verses are punctuated with a higher harmony, giving music lovers another reason to return to “Pocket” for multiple listening sessions.
Over the refrain, the vocals lean into a realm closer to the stylings of Cage the Elephant, with additional vibes provided by a mellifluous trumpet. The song is filled with dynamic twists and turns that ultimately culminate in a double-time interlude before retreating into a conclusion that mirrors the outset.
To serve your ears with some delightful indie bliss, hit that play button. “Pocket” is now available everywhere; however, DI LEO adds, “The full album will be available on streaming for a limited window starting March 1st, then removed from Spotify in the U.S. on April 30th, with the singles staying up. Listeners who want the full record can hear it for free through the San Francisco Public Library.” Connect with DI LEO here: Spotify | YouTube | Bandcamp | Instagram | Substack