Just growing up is hard — finding your way in a world determined to grind you down is hard. But consider those people who break society’s comfortable conventions and discover that their hearts pull them in a slightly different direction than many of those around them. Their love is theirs to give, to whomever they feel is deserving of it, even if that means upending traditional identity roles and seeking solace with the person who holds their affection. You can count Julien Baker and TORRES among them.
And on their latest single, “Tuesday”, they look to overcome and heal from the numerous traumas they experienced as they both worked to understand who they were, their youth burdened by guilt, shame, and religious oppression. Pedal steel notes are beautifully elongated and a steady beat affirms the song’s forward momentum. But underneath the country gait, there is true desperation and ache, moments of self-harm and regret. The past can never be changed, just recalled and let loose to influence the present. But even when thing’s are at their darkest, some small light manages to seep through, a small voice in the gloom of the world that tells you to hang on and hold your head up high. “Tuesday” is that light.
Listen below.
Send a Prayer My Way is due out April 18 via Matador Records. You can pre-order the album here. Follow Julien Baker on Facebook, X, and Instagram — and keep up with TORRES on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
