Natalie Gates - “Bloody Knees”
Singer-songwriter Natalie Gates is back on the blog with the lovely sounds of “Bloody Knees,” a song that reveals the mixed emotions associated with the inevitability of aging.
Gates does not waste anyone’s time here, immediately beginning her delicate vocal performance atop a pulsating bass line. And in case you’re new around here, it was her voice that drew us to her music in the first place, as she possesses a talent akin to the work of Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine, wonderfully modern, yet permeating a raw and relatable authenticity.
Some churning synth tones roll throughout the track’s underbelly, lending a palpable ambience to the arrangement. As “Bloody Knees” climbs into its crescendo, more elements fall into place, including the steady thump of a kick drum and the gentle sounds of finger-plucked acoustic guitar. And, of course, we are complete suckers for the additional layers of vocals that Gates utilizes here, which lend a dreamy width to the soundscape.
About “Bloody Knees,” Gates adds: “This song is about coming of age and hating it and loving it and all the emotions in between. I wrote this about getting older when you're still young and its growing pains & beautiful freedom.” It is this existential exploration into getting older that provides the track with the potential to deeply resonate with everyone. We hope that you’ll love it just as much as we do.