Eliza Edens – “Death Drive”
Photo by 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫
Brooklyn-based songwriter Eliza Edens returns to the blog with the catchy and spirited “Death Drive.”
“Death Drive” musically doesn’t wallow in the dark themes that the title suggests. It is a confident, radio-friendly track that, to me, encompasses the beautiful songwriting of Adrianne Lenker crossed with Soccer Mommy and Weezer… And even then, I’m not sure that description does it justice.
The composition really shines a light on great guitar work. We’ve got a rough-edged, staccato rhythm that pulses satisfyingly throughout. Supported snugly by the drums, it gives “Death Drive” an irresistible, restless momentum. Slightly off-kilter, that groove never feels like it’s stumbling over but it does make you want to nod your head in agreement. For me, it’s the wiry lead guitar that really shines as a musical element. It has a lush, vivid sustain and unusual tone that only makes the song even more distinctive. It is also coated in a reverb that just keeps you hanging on for the next phrase.
As for the production, it is polished but alive. It hasn’t been put in a position where all the rough edges have been knocked off. It strikes the right balance between accessible indie pop and good old-fashioned indie rock. Edens serves up the perfect vocal for “Death Drive,” creating a beautiful contrast to the indie rock layers that surround it. It is a narrative-led delivery. Smooth and breezy, but with an understated melancholy that is, in some ways, similar to Phoebe Bridgers, but decidedly fuller and more assertive.
Lyrically, “Death Drive” finds joy in mortality, pairing Freud’s concept of the death drive with Edens’ reflections on accidents, loss and dementia. It is darkly humorous but presented with a buoyancy that offsets the darkness of its themes.
Refreshing and an effortlessly great song, “Death Drive” is the first single and title track to be taken from Eliza Edens’ new record, which is slated for release on Oct 30th.
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