Introducing Amélie Giardini with her sophomore single ‘Red Pill’, a bluesy, soulful and cinematic release that instantly marks her out as a one-to-watch. Following on from debut ‘Sombre Maze’, her style is notably eclectic bringing different genres and motifs into her sound. Much of this heterogeneity can be put down to Giardini‘s fascinating background; she’s a Franco-Australian who was raised on a small tropical island and is now based in London. It’s also worth noting that she works in environmental and human rights policy, which has imbued her songwriting with a compassion that’s clearly an integral part of who this artist is.
All of these contrasting complementing and overlapping identities show up in Giardini‘s latest track, which questions the unfair power dynamics that run rampant throughout our modern world. Her crowded thoughts, “like rivers in my mind,” are reflected in the way ‘Red Pill’ moves through different styles, playing with tempo, space and tension so confidently.
We can’t help but be captivated by those stripped-back piano or acoustic guitar motions where Giardini‘s soulful, richly toned vocals are laid bare. Elsewhere, she translates a need for movement through those gritty guitars, slapping percussion and her rhythmic hooks. Throughout the track, we’re swung back and forth between these two states, making the paradoxical parallels of vulnerability and control, complicity and resistance, submission and rebellion all too clear.
‘Red Pill’ is an undeniably profound track that’ll leave you with more questions than answers. It’s also a brilliant insight into what’s to come on Amélie Giardini‘s ongoing Colour Bound project.
You can also listen to ‘Red Pill’ in our Soul & Grooves playlist.
Follow Amélie Giardini:
UNRECORDED 