"when will I learn to let go"
Francis Blume is a folk indie artist who, on last years evocative "Lado De Loma", embodied the both pristine and rebellious youth and love and longing of purist rock and roll in the Roy Orbison to Eddie Cochran vein circa 1955 to 1965. His interpretation was so dead on (without any cheeky ulterior motives) that his latest offering "Into Summer (2020)" surprised me. There are no white picket fences to be had, unless worn and trampled down. The recording is full of ambient noise and, in fact, was recorded in his home during quarantine. The hiss that swims over Blume's tender and torn guitar picking makes it sound even more sad and when his voice steps in tentatively, you can feel the weight of an isolated pain:
"let yourself out on the line
have I given this thing enough time
should I go through or is it still to fresh a wound
dear god, just tell me what to do"
Blume like this, stripped bare in a sadcore way, still has a beautiful quiver to his croon and a hint of a country troubadour's lilt. The bridge, at times, turns more pretty than sad, which is lovely.
About the songs creation, Blume shares:
This is one of those songs that all came together in about 45 mins. I was sitting on my couch late one night (after watching The Office) a couple weeks ago, and I started picking a very simple progression. In that moment I felt like I had the words to express what has been knocking around my brain for the last month or so, so I went with it. I wanted to keep it simple. Tried not to get too hung up on any certain detail, and just keep moving through the song. The next morning I recorded a demo and sent it to @bradleyrobertshaw expecting some criticism for falling into the indie/folk realm. Instead he mastered it, sent it back and said I should release it just as it is. The sentiment of the song is something that I believe a lot of people are feeling right now; so I hope in some way it can bring a bit of encouragement to you if you are. I also flooded my kitchen making this album art, so you’re welcome.
On a recent interview with Francis Blume he entertained the possibility of "Into Summer (2020)" ending up on a future EP or album. I enjoyed speaking with Francis immensely. You can find the interview here:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD2CIYMBrEh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
-Robb Donker Curtius
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