With his latest single, "Explain," Mikey Demilio further enhances his status as a soulful indie presence by combining the simplistic wave of surf rock alongside the raw openness of indie pop and the fuzz of indie rock. The result is a lush, emotionally rich track that feels like a heart-to-heart amid a golden-hour drive by the coast. "Explain" is a question that was never answered, an attempt to make sense of the emotional disarray. Demilio's voice is both trying and withholding, pulling at unfinished business while flowing along the dreamy undercurrent of shimmery guitars and hazy textures. There's tension and something approaching peace in the track's air, all wrapped in a soundscape as soothing as it is stirring.
The opening notes of the track establish a relaxed yet immersive vibe. Piercing guitar leads with flashes of old-school surf rock lines hover around and amidst, accompanied by crisp beats and a few nifty rhythmic turns. The indie pop is apparent in how accessible the track is melodic, introspective, and bursting with relatability. Demilio's use of a subdued build and bittersweet vocal delivery causes the song to have an intense emotional impact without veering into over-the-top melodrama. There is no gloss, no sheen, no artifice, nothing fake, just a raw and heartfelt journal entry that draws you in without overpowering. It's excellent for long walks, soft ponderings, and anyone between emotional and non-lucidity.
"Explain" is another step forward for Mikey Demilio's developing sound, which mixes his laid-back surf rock origins with emotionally charged indie rock grit and the welcoming appeal of indie pop. It quietly reels you in and makes you think long. For those longing for raw songwriting, atmospheric guitar, and the sensation of floating somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow, Mikey Demilio's "Explain" is a welcome addition to your playlist. That's more than a song, a conversation, a question, and perhaps even the beginning of an answer.
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