An alluring single sprinkled with Americana and jazzy infusions, “Secrets” is a memorable release from Malmö-based singer-songwriter Sara Eliisa. Backed by Lee Allison’s production, the song pairs sparse ukulele rhythm with a shadowy, melancholic atmosphere, crafting a consuming soundscape that explores deception and the heavy price of hidden manipulation. The release is described as “a song that paints a shadowy world — a place that can feel both safe and alluring, yet comes at a price.”

A lushly absorbing layering of pulsing piano and gentle harmonica opens the track, giving way to Eliisa’s stirring vocal presence. “You’re gathering secrets around you,” she lets out, accompanied thereafter by a serenely steady rhythm section, comprising Axel Svensson on drums and Lee Allison on bass. Alex Holm’s harmonica additions appear with sporadic yet impactful charm throughout, situated within the leading jazzy piano and Eliisa’s riveting vocals.

“Promises made and then broken,” Eliisa sings to commence a striking sequence past the track’s midpoint; the section thematically explores deception and captures the lure of manipulation via lyricism of “the devil sits on your shoulder, whispering tricks in your ear.” A cathartic sense of self-realization follows, as Eliisa admits “I was lost, I was gone, I was wicked” multiple times in leading to a compelling, satisfying finale. Melodic vocals, magnetic piano work, and flourishes of harmonica propel a standout production and stellar single from Sara Eliisa.

—

This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

The post Sara Eliisa – “Secrets” appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.