Asha Wells - “The Carousel”
Oakland, California-based Asha Wells has just released the stunningly immersive dream pop track, “The Carousel.”
“The Carousel” is built upon a weaving, mellow bass line that sets a warbling foundation to the track. The tones are warm and meditative as it grooves away, effortlessly. On top, sparkling keys flesh out the higher reaches of the song’s melody. This is enhanced by a playful, dancing layer of dreamy electric guitar. Forward momentum is provided by a pulsing kick drum and swaggering tambourine.
Over the choruses, the dynamics satisfyingly increase. Electric guitar chords warble atmospherically. A snare is also added to the drum groove and a touch of shaker creates a sense of shimmering movement. As the track enters its final section, the tones shift to a more intimate, melancholic, and introspective vibe. This mood is strikingly haunting, which is deliciously enhanced by the almost trippy feel from the shimmering keys.
The vocals on “The Carousel” are simply sublime. They are intimate and breathy and full of reflective emotion. The harmonising backing layers beautifully enhance the breezy vibes. The entire performance is magical.
Asha Wells describes the meaning behind the tune: “‘The Carousel’ was written amidst love lost, the sentiment of this track addresses putting all of yourself into a relationship and what is left when the reasons for staying fall away. The carousel is the familiar cycle we trace once on the carousel for too long. Waiting to see something you haven't yet seen, the view will always be the same, from your place on the plastic horse.”
“The Carousel” is an elegant, mood-laden number. The groove and vocals are effortlessly arresting. The song is taken from the three-song EP, Tears of a Clown, which will be released Friday, February 2nd, via Anxiety Blanket Records.