True change never comes easy, but when it’s right, it can feel like the easiest thing in the world. For Nashville-based artist Kels Taylor, they knew that their self-expression was no longer being served by their classical and folk-rock origins and so they made the bold step to completely transform their creative output. The result is Losem, an alt-rock project that draws inspiration from the likes of Hayley Williams, Indigo de Souza and Mannequin Pussy, who all seem to share one magical quality – intention.
For Taylor, Losem is all about authenticity and a great first example of this is their debut single ‘Hangnail’. It’s a powerful first statement that explores the consequences of self-sabotage. We all have the potential to be our own worst enemy, sometimes without even knowing it, and this track puts this universal experience into sharp focus.
From its very first moment, this single seethes with a discomfort and tension as Taylor grapples with certain self-destructive behaviours and self-undermining thought patterns. With a touch of pain in their voice, they sing, “show my face, the one behind, hidden far inside my mind, pushing me towards the razor’s edge.” These articulate lyrics reveal a rare emotional awareness that this songwriter has tapped into here.
Alongside Taylor‘s melancholic vocal melodies, the song surges forward with distorted guitars, patterned rhythms and a dark bass line, all brought together through Matt Bolton‘s production. The chorus is especially cathartic as it explodes outwards with a sense of frustrated exhaustion that comes from constantly tripping oneself up. It’s clear that this songwriter doesn’t look for answers to why or how we hurt ourselves, but instead they embrace listeners with a weary, yet shared, understanding.
You can also listen to ‘Hangnail’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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