Grant Olney's newest single, "Poplar Street", out on Asian Man Records, is a much-needed, introspective plunge into the soundscapes of contemporary indie rock and emo-tinged indie pop. The track casts Olney as a teller whom you would walk with him down his blocks of memory, each note a footstep. "Poplar Street" sets a dreamy mood from the opening guitar strum. The instrumentation feels familiarly intimate, melding the jangly brightness of indie pop with the emotional depth of emo. It's the sort of song that has the feeling of something that was both meant to be sung today and has always been sung, an unusual paradox that Olney effortlessly negotiates.
All the chord progressions seem intentionally crafted, drawing the listener into the emotional center of the track without being too overbearing. Olney's voice is matched to the task, too. He sings with a ragged, unvarnished presence that recalls the lived-in qualities of indie rock's best storytellers. His singing takes on a conversational aspect, as if he's sharing memories straight to your ear. This brings the song back down to a place of emotional truth, which makes the dreamy layers of the instrumentation all the more successful.
The production of "Poplar Street" suits Olney's lyrical intimacy. Asian Man Records has developed a sound that is raw, real, and organic, where every instrument is allowed to live and breathe, adding to the overall emotional palette. Guitar riffs and rhythmic percussion interplay in a way that reflects the song's thoughtful and contemplative tone, leaving you simultaneously invigorated and introspective. "Poplar Street" is a track that lends itself to repeat listening, its emotional layers layered upon like coats. Regardless of what you gravitate toward, whether it be indie rock, indie pop, or emo, Grant Olney's newest track serves as solid proof that honest storytelling is king when it comes to making music. "Poplar Street" is an invitation to take a break, smell the roses, and be in the moment. In a world teeming with fleeting fads, Olney provides a piece of music that seems deeply, profoundly human.