PHOTO: Autumn Stein of Autumn Layne Photography
Phoenix Unbound - Apoorva (Pop). Apoorva’s latest track, Phoenix Unbound, is hauntingly beautiful. There’s a “Blackhole Sun” vibe to this one—something in the guitar and parts of the melodic line—while also incorporating small touches of what we assume are musical cultural references (we hears some spanish flavors in the guitar, a few Indian-sounding riffs between sections). There’s a supernatural quality to Phoenix Unbound that begs music supervisors to put this track in their gothic fiction shows. But the song’s greatest strength is Apoorva’s voice—the leads are strong, and the backings are pure magic, creating a swirling layered soundscape soaring in a dark cavern. While the main melody sits comfortably in alto, imbued with an intoxicating smokiness, Apoorva proves on her nearly scene-stealing harmonies that she has the range—floating up in the rafters with a siren call. Lush, shimmery and soothing, put Apoorva’s Phoenix Unbound on your chill vibes playlist.
Best Lyric: “Awakened by fire.”