Esme Patterson - “Shelby Tell Me Everything”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Frankie Cosmos, Mitski, Margaret Glaspy

Esme Patterson has nicely evolved her sound record to record, moving from indie rock to folk to the cinematic dream pop previewing her fourth full-length There Will Come Soft Rains. “Shelby Tell Me Everything” bubbles with twists of psychedelic rock but over a classic pop swing, twisting a bedroom pop sound with sunny dispositions and airy synth & guitar accompaniment. The other single released prior to There Will Come Soft Rains’ ship date of 3/6 is “Light in Your Window”, a slower grooving number that occupies a similar, washed out space. It’s a really great fit for Patterson’s mature and comfortable songwriting, so expect a consistent record that has the Denver-based sounding at her best. (Kevin McStravick)