Virtual Crate Digging: Untangle Me
Folks are always asking about what’s new and upcoming but, as shown by the vital and venerable culture of crate digging, looking backwards can also yield unexpected results and reveal hidden gems. And boy oh boy do we have some hidden gems. Let’s dig through our virtual bins of vinyl and see what we find.
From Heartbreak To Hopeful
Over the past few years, LMNTL Records has steadily released a variety of singles and EPs that range from rowdy Irish-punk bangers to tender country ballads. These radio-ready tracks stay true to the heart of each genre while adding the utility of production music. Finding that balance is a matter of harnessing and honoring those elements, placing authenticity and the emotional value above all else. And it’s on this edition of Virtual Crate Digging that we’re diving into one of the most endearing and heart-on-your-sleeve recordings in our catalog.
Untangle Me EP (LMTL-021) features three acoustic pop tracks that are deceptively simple, especially in terms of the production. While they do retain that extra bit of shine that comes from a Nashville studio, there is no wall of sound, no manufactured or sanitized performances, and certainly not an ounce of ego in the room. Spare percussion acts as the rhythmic foundation and acoustic guitars set the tone as these textures intentionally keep the focus on the flowing melodies and touching vocal performances.
“It’s a complicated world
I’m a complicated girl
In these complicated times
With no reason and no rhyme”
The lyrical content of each song contains notes of universality that still feel personal. With the opening lines of “You Are A Straight Line,” the repeated use of the word “complicated” compounds its weight. Many folks would agree with that sentiment, but it means something different to everyone. This is a romantic pop song that treasures a partner who helps them feel centered, safe, and loved. And if that’s not something we all want, I don’t know what is.
But it’s not all smiles and sunshine… at least not on this EP (if you’re looking for a cheerful pick me up with sonic similarities check out Bright Colors & Smiles).
“I’ll sink this ship of fools for both of us
Love to loss and dust to dust
Just take what was what
and leave me lonely“
This poignant conclusion on “Leave Me Lonely” beautifully captures the sting of a freshly broken heart. So many of us have experienced that pain and the haunting indie folk backdrop perfectly sets the stage. A lamenting vocal performance takes the flowing melody and gives it gravity, the kind of weight that stays with you. It’s a standout track for teen dramas of all shapes, sizes, networks, and streaming platforms.
Closing on an empowering note, “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing” is a piano-led ballad that builds with unquestioning sincerity and love. Positivity flows from a sweetly sung vocal that seeks to hold and cherish the moment. Overall this track has a larger dynamic arc than the previous two tracks, acting as a perfect landing on an emotional ride of an EP.
Untangle Me certainly goes on a journey. Sweet, hurt, strong, lost, empowered, the multi-dimensional female vocal leads make each chapter of the story come to life and feel true. By putting a laser focus on the melodic and lyrical performances, everything else simply adds nuance and depth.
It may be a complicated world, but when genuine emotion is at the core, things are just that much simpler.
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