OSKA - “April, May, July”
Photo by Manuel Hauer
Vienna-based Maria Burger, aka OSKA, is back on the blog with “April, May, July,” a song that simultaneously traverses hope and loss.
The track opens with a vintage-instilled hook from a synth that chimes above the vibey notes of a finger-plucked electric guitar. And once OSKA’s pop-infused, breathy and emotionally-charged vocal performance arrives, “April, May, July” has a gentle, folksy mood to it, complete with the occasional soft sounds of an acoustic guitar, alongside the electric.
The refrain comes bearing a melody that is most assuredly an ear worm, as OSKA reaches into her upper register, breaking into falsetto at the most opportune of moments. Her voice, at times, is barely above a whisper, as though she’s chosen to trust her listener with a secret. A lo-fi rhythm appears, carrying back the synthy hook and allowing “April, May, July” to enter the realm of indie rock.
The second verse has been imbued with a wonderfully delivered vocal harmony which adds a grand sense of width to the overall production. Upon the conclusion of the next chorus, OSKA brings a dramatic dynamic shift, leveling the production down to that of an old-timey radio, which happens to be one of our favorite moments within the song.
“April, May, July” ends with a dual set of refrains that utilize additional layers of angelic vocals. It is quite obvious that the track comes from one of life’s darker moments, but there is such beauty in the way it is delivered that it is impossible not to be hopeful once it enters your ears.
-HD