Julie Arsenault - “Start Again”

Photo by Wynne Neilly

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julie Arsenault returns to us with the rich and dreamy sounds of her latest folksy single, “Start Again.”

Arsenault wastes no time here, immediately beginning her lovely vocal delivery atop the vibrant strums of a vintage-tinged guitar. The vibe is nice and chill, slightly reminiscent of Hope Sandoval, yet a touch more emotive. Some bass emerges and listeners are suddenly swept away on the soft cloud of the song’s melody.

The restrained sounds from the drum kit leave room for the bouncing notes of the keys, elevating the production to a sound akin to the late 1960s. Arsenault walks the listener through the depths of depression with heart-rending lines like: “Again, I find it hard to motivate myself to brush my teeth… I know I must smile despite the pain that’s hiding underneath.”

Listeners will be mesmerized by the way Arsenault occasionally reaches into her upper register, bringing momentary glimpses of hope from within such a darkened subject matter. Spectacular layers of vocals join the song on the last refrain, providing one final spark to ignite the glow of our very existence.

“Start Again” is the second single from Arsenault’s upcoming album, Nothing Sweeter, which is due to be released November 3rd; however, we promise to keep featuring her singles until then.

-HD