GIRL SKIN - “Forever & Always”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Jim James, Phosphorescent, Sufjan Stevens

Indie folk/Americana band GIRL SKIN announced their debut record Shade is on the other side this month with gorgeous chamber ballad “Forever & Always”, a sweet, warm song letting acoustics and strings build to a grinding electric jam for the highlight track’s coda. Though subtle, GIRL SKIN are ambitious in their songwriting, filling space with lovely sounds and melodies rather than rely on pure roots. It’s simply one of the prettiest love songs coming from SXSW artists this year and a taste of what could be a breakout effort from the talented Brooklyn artists. (Kevin McStravick) 

2019 Review: GIRL SKIN’s latest single “Bite Real Hard” starts out doing quite the opposite, launching from a field of traditional alt country and Americana. Halfway through though, feedback and density creep into the track to offer a whole other mood as day seemingly turns to night. It’s a balance GIRL SKIN juggles throughout their introductory singles and debut EP Lovemore, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Foster James. Bedroom pop production and cinematic builds highlight “Darling”, a sign of ambition in both songwriting and performance. The Brooklyn-based artists emit joy in their performance even under the guise of back-porch Americana, creatively evolving what’s rooted the genre for decades in a personal, charming and emotionally rich way.