Written by: Oliver Heffron
Written by: Oliver Heffron
Nashville indie-pop act Arlie's long-awaited debut album BREAK THE CURSE is an exuberant synthesis of their lo-fi roots and mainstream potential with its saturated guitar riffs, groundbreaking production, and catchy yet compelling songwriting, centralizing a struggle against mental limitations. The album balances nostalgic melodies with innovative modern songcraft, leading the listener on what feels like a digital, psychological adventure through the group's musical influences and past experiences.
Throughout Break the Curse, lyrical themes of karma, causality, isolation, and a desire for relief paint a compelling illustration of a mental struggle between contradicting complexities and impulsivities. The project expresses the anxiety of overthinking the overwhelming butterfly effect of consequences and shifted realities left in the wake of any action or idea, even when they spring up as unconsciously as a rubber mallet hitting your kneecap, making certainty and knowing oneself a painfully elusive dream.
The opening track "sickk" powerfully states: "I'm gonna rewrite over the hard drive / I'm gonna pull out all the cords / I'm gonna forget all about my 'self' / That I don't need anymore / 'Cause I'm so sick or fight or flight / All the time."
The standout track "karma" builds verses of romantic insecurity and regret before exploding into sun-drenched, driving guitar riffs and Banks' distorted chorus lamenting, "You know the truth is loving you was not a mistake / But that's a lotta bad karma." The titular "break the curse" nestles dreamy synth chords with a sensitive, melodic vocal performance, while "landline" presents an incredibly catchy ode to permanently logging off the playground of negativity called "the internet." BREAK THE CURSE pairs Arlie's warm, pop-friendly melodies and lo-fi production with a remarkable psychological narrative, creating the most unique project the group has put out thus far and one worth the wait.
Lead singer and creator of Arlie, Nathaniel Banks, sat down with Nuance to talk about the production of Break the Curse, his musical origins, and how his music reflects his struggles with mental health. Nuance Members can read the full interview here.