Dolly Valentine - “Michigan, 1997” (feat. Field Medic)

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Phoebe Bridgers, Angel Olsen, Big Thief

Introductory Dolly Valentine single “Michigan, 1997” starts inauspiciously, a plaintive, acoustic melody forming a quiet space for the Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter to reflect in airy solitude. The track grows and grows from there, evolving into a mid-tempo rock duet alongside fellow SXSW 2020 artist Field Medic. Dolly Valentine’s personal, bedroom songwriting is aided by her patient, moving musical instincts, allowing twists of alt country, indie rock, and chamber folk as shown on her latest story “Flowers on the Highway”. Dolly Valentine’s only other single “Titanic” is the most driving of the bunch, elevating moody grunge rock within an understated, melancholy foundation. Dolly Valentine previously recorded as a duo in Holy Golden and even though her prior records, this new sound is dramatically tighter and shows her understanding of pop songwriting even in grayer, softer spaces. (Kevin McStravick)