Newcastle duo Dolder have just released their debut EP The Motive with the inclusion of the title track, “The Motive.” Inspired by the vocals of Folk Bitch Trio, Mumford & Sons and Iron & Wine, the song shows a sense of incoherence following the end of a relationship.
Dolder’s harmonies are becoming more and more enchanting with every release and you can hear how the duo has become more deliberate with them. By emphasising the sliding parts of the melody with harmonies, you get an easy vocal hook to become captivated by. These free-flowing vocals are given an anchor by the strong piano that sits in the back of the mix while the brash texture on an acoustic guitar gives the song some needed rhythm and pacing. Finally, the song is tied together by the atmospheric bass in the chorus. Folk is a lyric-forward genre, and Dolder ensure that their lyrics are clear with this sparse but well-placed instrumentation.
“The Motive” is all about the downfall of self-worth following the end of a relationship. Dolder finds themselves “blacked out in the passenger seat” and heartbroken. Despite the context, the focus of the song is clearly on the questioning of one’s self rather than the relationship, with lines such as “I smash the mirror / I don’t look the same” and the opening “Lately I’ve had the motive to hate me.” This offers a fresh perspective on the breakup song, giving an inward focus rather than outward one.
The only complaint we have for “The Motive” is that it’s too short. Dolder gives listeners a refreshing and enchanting song only to quickly cut it off a little after the 2-minute mark. You become addicted following the first chorus only for the song to be left unresolved quickly thereafter.
Still, Dolder’s “The Motive” shows the duo becoming more sure of their artistry and more confident in their lyrics. “The Motive” is the title track of Dolder’s debut EP The Motive, out now.
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