Erika Levy - “Japanese Beetle”
Photo by Adam Lempel
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Erika Levy returns to the blog with “Japanese Beetle,” a song that delves into the darkness of suffering a doomed relationship.
Levy first won us over last month with her dark and gritty single, “The Knife,” and we are very pleased to find that her sound remains consistent, as it is one that we relentlessly seek.
“Japanese Beetle” gets things started with a lo-fi, jangly electric guitar that barrels out some chords over the thunderous thud of a kick drum. The song is instantly captivating and fully nails our niche for a grainy, cinematic production.
But, of course, it is Levy’s vocal performance that completely sends “Japanese Beetle” over the edge. We truly cannot get enough of it. Her voice has just enough Heather Nova, Mazzy Star and Sharon Van Etten coursing through its mellifluous veins to instantly enchant all who hear.
As “Japanese Beetle” progresses, listeners will experience Levy’s prolific upper register, as well as a profound expansion to the arrangement. Ear candy is provided by way of a subtle banjo and the ethereally-charged and immersive notes from a lead guitar and pedal steel.
“Japanese Beetle” is the kind of track that you play in the car when the world is falling apart around you, but it will also work quite well as you ball yourself up on the floor in a pool of your tears. Either way, we recommend getting it into your ears ASAP.