Annabel Lee - “UP”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Amanda Palmer, Tori Amos, Paramore

“UP” is the kind of song that gives everything - piano-pop chords, theatrical vocal lines, bluesy stomp and holler, alt-rock production - all somehow coming together in a surprisingly catchy and punchy way. It’s a clear highlight of Lee’s upcoming debut MOTHER’S HAMMER, a record already previewed by five singles prior to its release next month. What’s interesting is “UP” isn’t necessarily the core sound of MOTHER’S HAMMER - “LOS ANGELES” is a moving pop ballad, “PATTI SMITH” a bluesy, acoustic rock number, “ALAS, I’M A LADY” connecting skiffle folk-pop with country/blues intentions. Her genre bounds are as wide as a listener is willing to imagine, but rarely does Lee sound outright experimental. Check out Annabel Lee at Half Step Friday night within a stacked showcase from Ari’s Take right before couple of strong, established artists in Indigo De Souza and Zella Day. (Kevin McStravick)