Toronto native Maryam Said, AKA Poolblood, grew up in a religious household that didn’t indulge in popular music. However, Said did discover Cat Stevens, and between listening to his music, taking guitar lessons, and learning about what their peers were listening to, the young songwriter began developing their sound. The result was Poolblood, a dreamy bedroom pop exploration that feels as much folk as it does alternative. The artist’s latest single, “shabby,” perfectly encapsulates this sonic medley.
Beginning with acoustic strums and an electric guitar lead that sounds like a lazy afternoon, “shabby” exudes a melancholic introspection. The instrumental, as well as Said’s vocal, are reminiscent of Snail Mail‘s first EP, Habit, in addition to hints of Nick Drake and Fiona Apple. The music video is a great companion to the song, showcasing Said hanging out with close friends in grainy, self-shot footage.
Check out “shabby” below:
You can stream “shabby” on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
