Annie Shultz - “Patterns”
Photo by Julian Owen
Olympia, Washington-based singer-songwriter Annie Schultz arrives on the blog with “Patterns,” a song about “navigating relationships while in a depressive episode.” And while the subject matter alone should garner Schultz a good helping of new fans, just wait until you hear this magnificent piece of music…
“Patterns” begins with a softly strummed acoustic guitar, and our interest is immediately captured by the accompanying retro-seasoned electric, appropriately drenched in reverb and tremolo. Within the first five seconds, the vibe has been cast and it’s blatantly obvious that this is going to be quite an emotional voyage.
However, we were not expecting the raw and rich prowess from Schultz’s vocal cords. Her voice is on par with that of Phoebe Bridgers and Angel Olsen, and listeners will hang onto every syllable as if an oxygen mask that drops down during the turbulence of life. In the midst of the pandemic, many of us got to know our own depression quite well, and, therefore, the song is bound to completely and empathically resonate with its listeners.
“Patterns” explores “the challenge of showing up for others when it feels impossible to show up for yourself,” which is echoed in its sparse arrangement. The entire track is never much more than the two guitars and Schultz’s voice, yet it successfully hits all of the places that a good song should.
-TM