Project Description
MARLEE SMITH
‘Catch and Release’
(Single Review)
9th October, 2020
Reviewer: Laura Hughes
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South Australian singer-songwriter Marlee Smith doesn’t like to be defined or confined to a genre or style, though she sets a deeply soulful acoustic vibe. Her work is the result of her emotional experiences, and most often her inspiration is often found in the trials of life.
Her songs are created with the intent to capture the same depth of feeling experienced in the very moment of tribulation. Paired with an acoustic guitar and a beautifully haunting piano, mixed with soft vocals. She often seeks unconventional means by which to generate sounds (salt-shakers, pots and pans – you name it), and relishes every opportunity to make things quirky. Her lust for music with meaning, coupled with her desire to be different is what makes her stand out against the crowd.
After a time of an impromptu rebrand amongst heartbreak, Marlee Smith transformed herself away from her original artistry name Elissa Brooke, and with this new rebranding comes with an amazing song titled ‘Catch and Release’.
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The track begins with soft piano chords being played, with an eerie haunting sound creating and a song full of sorrow and grief. Her vocals are soft and waft through the song with a harrowing call, allowing her emotions to flow freely and unkempt. You can hear her unique use of generated sounds that accompany the piano, creating an extra unique layering to her sound.
‘Catch and Release’ reflects loss, grief, defeat and eventual growth. In a moment of despair the words ‘I’m done’ came into Marlee’s mind. She took those emotions and created a song that is simple yet beautiful, developed with the intent to capture the raw vulnerability that accompanies defeat.
Marlee Smith has managed to create something beautiful from a time full of grief. She has proven that nothing can tear her away from her music, which is a form of her release. She has captured and broken our hearts in one single song, and for that I applaud her. Now is Marlee time to set herself free, and I for one cannot wait to see what else is waiting for us on the horizon.
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Connect with MARLEE SMITH
Instagram – Youtube
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