Phillip LaRue - “Indigo”
We’ve been big fans of Nashville-based Phillip LaRue ever since he sent us “Never Break” back in January. And once an artist has released work that truly and fully resonates with us, seeing a new submission from them is such a wonderful gift. After you’ve heard LaRue’s new one, “Indigo,” we hope that you feel as lucky as we do (spoilers: you will).
“Indigo” begins with some acoustic guitar, but this is not your everyday, finger-plucked ditty. There is some tape delay or doubling occurring that will instantly capture the curiosity of any indie folk connoisseur. But before you’ve had a chance to try and decode it, LaRue’s tenor begins to weave a haunting story of losing faith in oneself. And he has one of those voices that you could listen to all day– very soft and soothing, very raw and honest– it feels like a heartfelt tale from a friend that you trust completely.
When the harmonies appear, it only reinforces all of this. Piano keys, in lieu of bass, help to saturate the sonic space until the percussion arrives at the midpoint– a simple kick and snare, but enough to elevate the production and keep the listener fully engaged. The second pre-chorus includes a synth pad that glides through the background, providing even more of a lift as the song gradually crescendos over its course. While LaRue’s vocal holds a tone that is all its own, the careful listener might hear a bit of Thom Yorke in the song’s final stretch. This is a truly beautiful piece of music.
About “Indigo,” LaRue adds: “‘Indigo’ is a song I wrote for a dear friend that has been on a journey trying to find himself for a long time. I wrote this in honor of him, hoping to remind him that I still see light in him despite all the pain and struggle he has faced.” This song comes from LaRue’s EP, Thank You June, now available everywhere.
-TM