REVIEW: Presley’s unapologetic freedom in new single “Everything You Hate”
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY KATIE SLATER ☆
Photo by Sean McGee
Music-making machine Lauren Presley is back with her third single of the year “Everything You Hate.” A highly reflective songwriter, this is the first track where Presley allows herself to lean fully into anger. A breath of fresh air after a controlling relationship, the singer-songwriter dwells little on the past, instead pushing towards a future where she no longer has to live by someone else’s rules. In doing so, she rediscovers the simple pleasures of making decisions purely for her own enjoyment.
Now well established in her sound, Presley fuses indie-rock instrumentation with synth elements to create thick textures drenched in atmosphere and energy. Certainly one of her heavier tracks, it’s mainly led by layers of distorted guitars which carry the attack of her lyrics.
Her vocals, known for their power, are equally distorted, melting into the rock background. Usually choosing to have her vocals at the foreground, this slight change in production pushes the focus away from her lyrics. Instead, the song is designed to sweep you up in its overwhelming sense of released tension. You do not need to cling to every word to feel the sentiments of this song at your core.
Cutting abundantly clear through the wall of sound, however, are certain visceral moments. A noticeable departure from her usual contemplative style, the semantic range hinges on words such as “hate,” “kills” and “die.” Deliberately provocative, she screams, “How’s it taste?’’ – fervently challenging her ex-gaoler to confront her newfound happiness.
Musically, we hear some of Presley's fingerprints combined with newer features. Likened to “Potential,” a similarly heavy track from earlier this year, the guitar tones are a real highlight of this track, often drenched in delay and sustain. Complex riffs compliment her vocal lines, low in the mix yet texturally massive.
The bridge is where a new influence begins to emerge. Led by the vocals, the song shifts into a strikingly different tonal space – more dissonant than the rest of track. Sustained power chords and modal sounding riffs underscore her lyrics with a renewed sense of defiance. The sudden move to a half-time feel on the drums enhances this transition, creating the feeling of dragging time, pulling the energy back before surging to its climax.
Perhaps my favourite in the Presley catalogue so far, ‘‘Everything you Hate’’ feels like an important step for the artist. With an increasingly heavy sound, and lyricism that explores a broader emotional spectrum, there is an increasing depth to her music that cannot be ignored. Scream along in the shower, or soundtrack your next gym session; this is guaranteed to be on repeat.
