Sling / Clairo / July 16, 2021
- Joshua Yoo
- Aug 15, 2021
- 1 min read
After building an artistic impression of self-assured, youthful, alternative indie pop that resonated quite strongly with her central audience, Claire Cottrill (Clairo) takes a complete stylistic left turn. With the assistance of songwriter mogul Jack Antonoff, Clairo explores the quiet depths of folk and singer-songwriter intimacy, finding strength in the subtlety yet richness of her topical bases.
Building on her childhood influences, the acoustic balladry, bluesy electric guitar lines, and clinking percussion throughout the album reflect an understanding and appreciation for such style. Opening up and letting out more in her songwriting, she simply lets the intimate instrumentation yet ornate arrangements carry much of the emotional conviction of her writing.
Part of her growth as an artist also reflects in her comfortability and candidness thematically. In place of general musings on love and youth, Clairo gets detailed and specific, digging into her frustrations with industry expectations (“Bambi”), self-care and mental health (“Amoeba”), and relationship pitfalls (“Harbor”) all with laudable openness. At times it feels almost too specific, the way that a page of a personal journal might read without any kind of context or explanation.
It’s refreshing to see Clairo in a position of content and relative peace given her ponderous journey up to this point. Shedding the weight of the pressures and expectations of her artistry, ‘Sling’ is a moment of freedom, evolution, and clarity.
Highlight(s): Amoeba, Reaper, Harbor, Just For Today, Little Changes
Lowlight(s): Wade, Joanie
SCORE: 7/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8ooa3G_5M
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