Arrowleaf and the heaviness of love on "Dirty Pain"

 

"my eyes are heavy, my love is wide..."

As I listen to Arrowleaf's emotionally mazed "Dirty Pain" I reflect on pain itself, especially emotional pain. It is a dirty business, heavy, abrasive but ultimately, except for the masochistic, points us in the right direction from derision to acceptance, from bruises to warm embraces. "Dirty Pain" the track, from the onset with the counterpoised guitar and bass paths, shifting beats and Sarah Markers wide eyed vocal aesthetic feels a bit lost and wandering like the maze of human emotions itself. The musical narration moves from staggered looks to heavy indie rock ascensions. There is a lovely interconnectivity, musicality between all the parts, there is a rich dynamic interplay but not too light and not too heavy.

"Dirty Pain" is from Arrowleaf's recently released album "Getting By".

-Robb Donker Curtius

Arrowleaf · Dirty Pain

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When it comes to regulating her response to often-upsetting current events, Arrowleaf’s Sarah Marker is learning to be mindful. “I’m only in control of what I can be in control of. I can’t handle all of this at once, as one person,” she says.

In relinquishing the desire to control the world around her, Marker abandons the patterns of frustration and hopelessness triggered by those things outside her control. Arrowleaf’s forthcoming album, Getting By focuses simultaneously on Marker’s exhaustion and hopefulness as she recognizes the importance of keeping her frustration from getting the best of her. Its songs act like post-it notes on a bedroom door reminding the listener that there’s a big difference between giving up and giving in.

It’s a constant barrage, so the cycle is seemingly endless, yet Getting By tacitly and pleasantly reconciles the unfolding of shared events with specific stories and feelings. Recorded in Marker’s home studio, Arrowleaf pairs washy guitar work, humming bass, and the occasional riotous trumpet line with delicate anecdotes; dreamy conversations with wide open spaces that address stories of loss and grief on a larger scale.

Arrowleaf, indie rock, singer songwriter, new album "Getting By', emotionally wrought, dense musicality, Sarah Marker, single "Dirty Pain"