Paige Valentine tells the familiar story of romantic magnetism and friction in her new single, “Navigate”
A wash of cavernous harmony and wet synthesizers bathe my ears in somber timbres. I know I’m in for a bittersweet beauty. The intro is perfectly proportioned and hooks the listener with interesting, poignant, and growing layers. A subby kick drum sets the rhythmic cadence of what’s to come.
Valentine’s lush and spaced-out vocals enrapture the listener with bright airiness as we approach the chorus. Double vocal tracks join in congregation and an acoustic drumkit bring on a distinctly indie flair while maintaining the pop-sensibility of the track.
As the song progresses, drum loops and synthesizers weave in and out, providing a dynamic foundation for the story of intimate disorientation. Those who have ever been a player in a situationship will bust a freakin’ move “Navigate“.
I must bring up the Imogen Heap vibe I caught while listening to this, if only to compliment Valentine’s ability to bring in a master’s influence without being derivative.
All in all, “Navigate” is a relationship-befuddlement-banger and deserves a spot in your “What Are We?” playlist.
