Austin quintet Sasha and the Valentines flew onto our radar last month with the delectable “Witches” from their upcoming debut album So You Think You Found Love?, and they’ve gone and captivated us again with the follow-up single “Flower”. Speaking about the lyrical themes, singer Sarah Addi says:
““Flower” combines elements of jealousy and betrayal with a bubblegum pop melody to coax you in with its nostalgic, comforting sound. The song is meant to convey the universal feeling of not being good enough when all you want to be is enough.”
At first, those powerful feelings of jealousy and insecurity seem minimal, as we coast with the band on bright and joyous retro-pop sounds while Addi sings sweetly, not betraying her full pain. It’s when we hit the chorus and Sasha and the Valentines switch gears into free-floating dreampop that we get to the heart of the matter: “I love you better than she can,” she bemoans, heartbreakingly. Guitar and synth expand into a widescreen sound to animate the sheer depth and breadth of her adoration for the person she’s singing to. It’s a moment that’ll put a lump in your throat – the first, tenth and fiftieth time you listen to “Flower”.
The video for the track features the band in their hometown. They say:
“The video for “Flower” is a series of whimsical, bright moments on the streets and in the yards of Austin, TX. It’s the first music video with all five band members playing their instruments, effectively scoring the other scenes while being scenic in themselves.”
Check it out below or listen to “Flower” on streaming platforms.
Sasha and the Valentines’ debut album So You Think You Found Love? is out on April 16 via Oof Records. You can find the band on Bandcamp, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
