In a world obsessed with what already-successful artists are doing, we often overlook the next wave of genre-defying indie talent. What a shame it would be to overlook the dark alt-pop debut single ‘Carrie’ from Vancouver, BC singer-songwriter REII.
Opening with a slow, dirty guitar riff matched with beautiful, smoky vocals beckoning the listener to come along for the ride, REII immediately demonstrates a confidence in her ability to set the mood. ‘Carrie’ feels methodical in its pacing, and the layers of sound that make up the track carry an almost Nine Inch Nails feel. I could draw comparisons to artists such as Florence + the Machine, Chelsea Wolfe, and Chappell Roan, but it must be made clear that REII stands on her own among these artists. Her approach to crafting a song is uniquely and dramatically hers.
Speaking of drama, there is no shortage of theatrics woven into this single, with every new section opening like a new scene in a TV show or stage play. ‘Carrie’ feels held together by the chaos it controls so masterfully, dancing through different tempos and sonic soundscapes. REII approaches her vocals from so many different angles that it feels as though she has created an abstract painting with her voice. It really is impressive to hear through high-end headphones. And let’s not forget to show some love to sound engineer Cat Madden behind this slick track, because the production is absolutely beautiful.
It is difficult not to immediately look for comparisons between the character ‘Carrie’ and the message woven into the song itself. That said, the song isn’t simply about the character; rather, the character serves as a striking visual reference that complements the aggression of REII’s own lyrics. Beneath the darkness and intensity, there is a deceptively powerful message here, one that gives the song a depth that extends well beyond its theatrical presentation.
In closing, ‘Carrie’ by REII is a stunning debut single from a very promising new artist. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, REII is an artist worth keeping a close eye on. There’s a lot more to discover here than first meets the ear, and that’s exactly what makes this debut so compelling.
LISTEN TO ‘CARRIE’ ON SPOTIFY HERE
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