I have always had an affinity for Merrill Garbus and her band tUnE-yArDs (see prior post here), but to be entirely honest, that affinity never grew into reverence or exaltation. While I certainly appreciated her groundbreaking idiosyncrasies, the music never completely moved me to the next celestial level, if you will.
That is not an indictment. Indeed, there are many artists I respect and enjoy that fit into this very category.
But with the recent release of latest single, 'Hold Yourself,' my adoration for Merrill and tUnE-yArDs has been reborn stronger than before. Arranged as a ballad, 'Hold Yourself' is a candid portrait of the precarious role of parenthood; the constant tension between a mother's or father's own frailties and self-doubts on the one hand, while simultaneously projecting strength and false bravado on the other, all for the sake of the child's sense of safety and wellbeing.
Musically, 'Hold Yourself' is alluring. Its first couple of bars are reminiscent of 'Purple Rain,' followed by Garbus' measured Gospel slugs during the choruses. The synth and sax of the tune compliment her voice quite nicely. Overall, it is a beautiful and moving composition that grips onto my soul a little more each time I hear it.
'Hold Yourself' is set to drop on March 26, 2021. In the meantime, you can watch the music video for the single below:
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