Fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Big Thief should check out the new single from Brooklyn band Fawn Ridge. “Eliza” showcases the subtle harmonies and lyrical skills of the group’s primary songwriter and singer Sky Van Cott. Lead guitarist Justin Lindsay opens the song with delicate, feathery work that gives way to Richard Thompson-style power-chord mayhem. (I’m guessing he’s a fan of Thompson’s song “Shoot Out The Lights”.)
Commenting on the song’s creation, Van Cott says, “I sat down with an idea for a melody and an overwhelming sense of melancholy about leaving behind childhood and how fears in a family are passed down through generations. In an hour I was kind of crying and the lyrics were done. Then I brought it to the band, and they extended the ending.”
In addition to the aforementioned Thompson, this song brings to mind another 80s great: Suzanne Vega, who (like Van Cott) doesn’t shy away from emotionally painful topics. Van Cott has a Vega-esque vocal style – understated yet evocative. Keep your eye on this band as they finalize their debut EP.
Listen to “Eliza” below, or find it on the streaming services.
Follow Fawn Ridge on Instagram.
