Julien Baker and TORRES have given another look into their upcoming country album Send A Prayer My Way. With its well-strung lyrics and well-strung guitars, “Sylvia” is a poignant tale of love and exploration fans of Bedouine and Waxahatchee are sure to enjoy.
As is always the case with Baker and TORRES, “Sylvia” tells a story of longing and uncertainty. Beginning the song with the lyrics “I have got to go away / In the morning when you rise / I’ll be halfway down the highway” sets the tone quickly as the artists show a love always strained by distance. Every line feels like an omission of guilt and inner turmoil with “haunted by all the goodnights that I’ve missed / every time your cheek goes un-kissed” beautifully evoking emotion within listeners. The lyrics feel like a love letter to old country with the storytelling and journal-like narrative reminiscent of the country music found in the 60s and 70s.
Complementing this tale is the stripped back, small-band instrumentation of the song. Doubling both the guitars and vocals sets an image of sitting around a campfire playing music with friends under the stars. Little to no audio effects are added to any of the instruments, which continues in the essence of early country, but also gives the sense that this song was written and recorded on the road. This creative choice is an incredible way to complement the story of a lover yearning for home while on the road found within the lyrics.
“Sylvia” is yet another showcase of the strengths of both Julien Baker and TORRES as artists with their innate ability to craft a story using both instrumentation and song writing. The duo are set to tour following the release of their upcoming album Send A Prayer My Way.
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