Earlier this year we welcomed the serene presence of Tel Aviv-based Canadian artist Dorine Levy through her stunning comeback single ‘Feel Alive’. Now, we’re getting another tempting insight into her upcoming album through another emotive indie-pop single ‘Tough Love’.
With intricate indie guitars, tranquil alt-pop melodies and trip-hop inspired beats, her new single is an elevation of the dynamic cross-genre sound that she’s become known for since making her debut back in 2013. Another key element of her style is that of contrasts, which she uses to evoke sincere feelings, for example compare the softly reassuring verses to the more assertive chorus. It’s throughout this distinction that Levy reframes the old cliché of “tough love”; changing the perspective to that of the recipient’s experience.
As such, the track conveys how the course of love never does run smooth, especially in a hot-and-cold relationship. One lyric that typifies this uncertainty of this romantic connection is, “she loves you like a sunny day in the pool, but now it’s time for winter to come.” This unpredictable situation is further accentuated by the song’s varying textures that keep the listener on their toes, placing them in the mindset of that hopeful lover. It’s clear that what Levy prescribes is a resilient heart and a trusting mind to keep love enduring.
After repeat listens, we can assure you that ‘Tough Love’ is a song that gets better with each hit of the play button. It’s like a deep well of cool water, just waiting for you to drink it all in.
You can listen to ‘Tough Love’ in our Shades of Pop and Outsiders Club playlists.
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