Music
Jay Elle Continues To Impress With Latest Single “Miss Mess” (Review)
As I check in with one of my favorite indie rockers, Jay Elle to see how his latest album Ride The Wave is being perceived, I am hardly surprised to see the increased traffic surrounding his latest single, “Miss Mess” is attracting. Miss Mess is a clever little piece filled with satire, and perception as Jay Elle describes the subject of his fascination and the personality traits she exhibits. As the song grows in popularity and we begin to have a deeper appreciation for the troubadour nature of Jay Elle’s songwriting form, new and quite significant aspects of this track present themselves. First and foremost, I am still being taken aback by the great tonal quality of Jay Elle’s voice, in particular the beautiful way he fills the room when he opens up his voice during the chorus sections of this track. The emotional and welcoming feel of his voice allows the listener to feel it in their chest as the powerful enunciation of certain passages hits on different frequencies from the musical mix. The gravelly nature of his voice contrasts with the overall beauty he is able to portray.
Even though Miss Mess is an observatory piece throughout the theme of the track, it also delivers a hopeful feel and a positive vibe. Listeners are left feeling like the subject matter, although a real mess, is still a redeeming quality to have in a personality. Listeners to Miss Mess should pay close attention to the way Jay Elle utilizes the song title as a recapitulation as a definitive article to resolve each cadence throughout the verse and chorus. The pronouncement Miss Mess is a satisfying conclusion to the descriptive content which proceeded it. This deliberate and forceful way to end each stanza is an easy way for the singer to say that’s just her, a mess, and we are ok with it. As I continue to consume the album, Ride The Wave, Miss Mess continues to be the track I am attracted to the most, it is a very enjoyable track that really does keep getting better the more I listen to it. And, as this songwriter continues to produce effective narratives like this one, the interest and consumption of this neo-indie folk genre piece will continue to attract new fans.
–Lee Callaghan
Artist Spotlight
“Hell has frozen over” finds Sarina choosing peace over being understood
Sarina’s new track, “Hell has frozen over,” explores the less dramatic, more complicated moment of reaching the end of the road, being gaslit, ignored, rejected, and painfully lonely. It translates the emotional burnout into a rock-pop context that’s easy to understand.
“Hell has frozen over” focuses on the decision to step away, instead of explaining, defending, or seeking understanding from people who refuse to listen. The rock foundation gives it the right weight, the pop influence makes it accessible, and the focus stays on the emotional message.
Sarina’s art is the struggle of loss and being strong in yourself. It’s about understanding that protecting your peace is more important than being understood. And that’s the emotional balance that gives the release its character so that the subject matter has relevance beyond a particular circumstance.
“Hell has frozen over“ is a relief from the burden of carrying on a debate that will never be resolved. Sarina turns an experience of isolation into a statement about boundaries, resilience, and the choice not to get caught in the same cycle. The result is a record that’s at its best when it’s being true to what it feels like to finally be free from whatever has been holding you down.
Photo Credit: Andrea Hunter
Artist Spotlight
Girlhood finds summer warmth and quiet freedom on “Lemon Aid”
“Lemon Aid“ is a warm indie-pop ballad from Girlhood that finds comfort in the ordinary and weaves in a sense of release. This song is about surrendering to the moment, finding space to breathe, and letting a little lightness back in. This reflective core is surprising, given the warm summer-night feel of the track, hinting at a moment of emotional rebalancing.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Holmes has a tender personality and fronts the slow-burning “Lemon Aid.” The production supports that softness, keeping the song’s gentle mood and intimate direction front and center. Beneath the comfort is a thoughtful examination of pressure, transition, and the need to pause.
The song’s link to the streets of Stroud offers yet another layer of art to the work. Familiar places can mean something when life feels uncertain, and the emotional scene involves storefronts, parks, cafes, and leafy, winding streets. “Lemon Aid“ searches for beauty in everyday places and rituals, finding still moments that mean something without getting carried away.
The track is the first release of Girlhood’s forthcoming album, “This Will Make Sense In The End,” a more reflective chapter with hope at its heart. “Lemon Aid” is about softness, conjuring a space where dancing, wandering, and just existing can feel like a cure. It’s an unleashing of small observations and soft emotional movement and a clear indication of the thoughtful direction that Girlhood is heading next.
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