Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist alx frncs releases her clean-sounding and cathartic third single, looking at loss and grief through a post-religious lens
Single Review: good is your friend by alx frncs
For people who like…indie, bedroom-folk, shoegaze.
Brighton/London based singer-songwriter alx frncs continues to touch on challenging and personal subjects in her latest single good is your friend – perhaps adding some light to a difficult subject from a newfound secular perspective.
Starting with a dreamy intro, it’s clear this song deals with grief, with guitar plucking as delicate as the themes explored. There’s a soft elegance in her voice as she speaks of passing and mourning.
Complimented by subtle and whimsical production, the components come together almost as a sonic expression of the after-life. With the song getting louder and more emotive it eventually culminates to an abrupt end.
The lyrics are actually referring to the loss of her childhood pet last year, and familiarity of the process and language she used to deal with the grief, which are rooted in catholicism despite no longer believing in or practising the faith.
alx’s vocal talents as well as the vital contributions of Alex Tabero’s drums and Peter Lawson’s guitar skills are used to full effect, creating a sorrowful yet slightly celebratory sound – perhaps this signifies both the sadness and ceremony that comes with death.
Although giving off strong bedroomy DIY vibes, top-notch production, mixing and mastering from the likes of Christopher Matthewson (Bess Atwell, Caitlin Rose, Tessa Rose Jackson) and Sam Every-Baker (Clairo, FKA Twigs, Alison Goldfrapp) really give this single a professional finish.
With an overall very clean and well-polished sound, anyone who’s a fan of acoustic, bedroom-folk or shoegaze are sure to enjoy! So go give it a listen below and check out her socials to catch her at an independent venue around the London/Brighton area sometime soon.
