English pop duo Dolder have already made a name for themselves on the UK touring circuit having opened for Ben Ellis. But now, Dolder aim to grow their audience even further with the release of single “Girl I Know.” Fusing the lyrical styles of Gracie Abrams and the instrumentation of Alessi Rose, the pop duo longs for a relationship grounded in compassion.
The song feels ripped out of a journal with focus on the small, intimate details of heartbreak. Wanting a genuine connection but stuck in a purely physical relationship, Dolder doesn’t shy away from their insecurities, preferring to take a “cab home” rather than spend too long at a lover’s house. Even in the first verse, these insecurities are put at the forefront with the first line: “told you I thought about dying the first day we met.”
Still, the English artists are aware of this downward spiral, citing their little “self-respect” and “contortionist” desire to change for another person. Each verse highlights the cycle of desire that the singer-songwriters fall into.
Taking notes from acoustic pop, the instrumentation of “Girl I Know” is kept to a minimum, starting with doubled acoustic guitars. The first chorus introduces a piano melody and kick drum supporting the rhythm of the guitars. Each differing texture of the instruments is highlighted in the mix to make up for the lack of other instrumentation. Some vocal layering is all that’s left to fill out the soundscape. While there isn’t anything overly unique about the instrumentation in this song, there isn’t anything that holds it back or pulls it down, either.
Dolder’s “Girl I Know” gives insight into the duo’s upcoming debut EP, The Motive (out 12th of December). The intimate lyrics and acoustic focus on the instruments highlights how the English pop team are continuing to hone in on their artistry and sound.
