Diane Birch - “Shade”
American singer-songwriter Diane Birch has just released the wonderfully retro-tinged track, “Shade.”
“Shade” is built around a spritely staccato piano groove that establishing a melodic and nostalgic atmosphere right from the get-go. The playing is intricate yet charmingly understated, with melodic flourishes and chord progressions that beautifully complement the vocals. The layers applied on top and in exquisitely heightening this mood, yet there is a superb feeling of the arrangement being elegantly uncluttered.
Drums push the track forward at a deliciously steady cadence, whilst the thick bass imbues a striking sense of swagger. Orchestral elements brighten the composition with and almost Rodgers and Hammerstein like grandeur. When these sophisticated tones are coupled with the piano, it brings to mind the juggernauts of the 1970s, like Carole King or even Paul McCartney.
Behind the glass, as producer for this track, is one of my musical heroes Paul Stacey. Under his eye, Birch has crafted a song that feels delightfully precise, yet there is a lush feeling of the production not being overly manicured. The vocal, however, is the element that really propels “Shade” into the stratosphere. Soulful, expressive, and irresistibly arresting, I cannot emphasize how gorgeous this performance is. The superb backing layers also magnificently enhance the vintage vibes.
Birch adds: “An ode to the narcissist at a time when I was growing very tired of city life and living in a corporate-driven American dream. The visual landscape in my mind was drenched in the wide fake smile and sweaty handshake of a greedy opportunist stopping at nothing to gain likes, favour and power, yet at the core only living large in the shadows of their own fears.”
“Shade” is the second single to be released from the forthcoming album, Flying On Abraham, slated for April 12th via Topanga Creed Records.