Lock & Key - Sky Olson (Indie Pop) There’s so much to love about Sky Olson’s latest track, Lock & Key. It’s a chill vibe with an interesting melodic progression that in a few spots takes an unexpected descent that will definitely keep you engaged. The instrumental production is also quite unique, with some a haunting string swimming among the tight delayed or tight verbed percussion, and of course the melancholy is in overdrive with that sorrowful guitar solo. The song itself itself is full of angst and woe, matched by the beautiful instrumentation, as Sky’s raspy husk cuts through the track to tell a story of being wrapped around another’s finger, always coming back despite being mistreated. At times, we hear just a touch (very minor) of Adam Levine in some of the vocals. It’s a restrained approach overall, with backgrounds hitting the sweet spot at just the right moment, adding a swell of ear candy. This has the feel of a travelling song, the beat rides along like it’s on horseback, and it’s heartfelt emotion sticks with you long after listening.

Best Lyric: “Cuz when you say my name, I just melt away. You’re a part of me that I can’t replace.”