New Zealand-born, San Diego-based indie-pop songwriter and producer Estella Dawn has continued a string of independent releases with the alt-pop ballad “Drunk & Messy.” As the title suggests, the song is a confession of self-destruction and personal loathing with shiny synths against a darker piano.
A slower, more measured song compared to her other recent releases, “Drunk & Messy” tries to balance a ballad of lyrics with the electronic sound that Dawn has become recognizable by. A heavy piano and bird sounds kick off the ballad with a drum machine hinting at the electronic elements to come. Overall, the pop instrumentation is restrained, with only the chorus highlighting the drum machine, synth keys, and electric guitars. The restraint can feel a little too held back, as it builds up to a breakdown that never happens. Yet, the intention of balance between two styles of music is clear to the listener.
Dawn describes the meaning behind “Drunk & Messy” as “wanting to be seen even when it costs you.” The lyrics make this crystal clear with self-deprecating lines such as “you call me the worst but at least you’re calling” and “please let me show up again drunk and messy.” Dawn plays on common flirtatious lines and flips them on their heads with the bridge’s “you make me seem see-through, good I don’t wanna see me.” The lyrics are able to be just heartbreaking enough to be relatable without drowning in pity.
“Drunk & Messy” is able to sit in a dark place without being swallowed by its own sorrow, giving listeners grounded lyrics and an interesting pace in instrumentation. The single by the singer and producer continues on a stream of music releases that has firmly established Estella Dawn in the alt and indie pop scene.
Follow Estella Dawn: Instagram / Spotify / TikTok / YouTube / SoundCloud
