Paola Bennet - “Call Home”
Photo by Justin Oppus
USA-based singer-songwriter Paola Bennet has completely blown us away with the gritty and ethereal sounds of her latest single, “Call Home,” a track that explores “the tipping point from desire into something more vulnerable.”
“Call Home” begins with the growling and reverberated chords of an electric guitar, soon joined by the remnants of what at first sounds like Morse code– an SOS sent from the depths of introspection. A distinctly lo-fi rhythm is dispatched and the production comes to life with an urgent pulse that churns the song forward. A high synth soars in the background, joining forces with another layer of effected guitar and wonderfully setting the stage for Bennet’s vocal to appear.
Bennet’s voice enters the song and all falls into place. There is something very comforting and familiar in her tone and delivery, slightly reminiscent of both Maggie Rogers and boygenius, but completely holding her own as she delivers the lyrics: “Sun high, dead July… Sleep with open windows… Your scent still on my skin…” Once you’ve heard her vocal strewn atop this arrangement, you soon realize that no other voice would work and that this is the perfect, sonic marriage.
The sounds within “Call Home” will appeal to many different listeners, from indie rock to dream pop– there is something here for everyone. And as the track moves forward, additional elements are added, including multiple layers of vocals, which, at this point, are simply the cherries on top because this song will win you over mere moments after pressing play. It comes complete with an elevated bridge that builds like a tidal wave before ultimately breaking and revealing a softer, cinematic ending. This thing is f’ing perfect.
After hearing “Call Home,” you’re going to want more, so please allow us to recommend Bennet’s previous release, the more upbeat “Stuck.” There are many similar elements here, such as that addictive drum sound, the gritty guitar, and the swells of synth. And, of course, we would be remiss not to mention the wonderful vocal again, with all of its well-placed layers. A highlight here, for us, is the dynamic break that occurs right before the last chorus. Our only hope is that the two tracks are indicative that an album is on the way.
-HD