The creation and reception of music have always been therapeutic for those of us who absolutely cannot sit in silence with the chaos of our thoughts. On all sides of the spectrum, music therapy can come from a mellow, heartfelt love song; a couple of loud but empowering jams; a grateful breakup tune; a poem of solidarity; and sometimes, on the rarest of occasions, from a somber, instrumental piano piece. London singer/songwriter Francesca Louise delivers all of that and more with the release of her debut EP Melancholic Antidote.
Melancholic Antidote gives us a small glimpse into Francesca’s heart and soul as she pours her emotions into six powerful indie-folk ballads. Her crooning voice paired with a soothing acoustic guitar is reminiscent of artists such as Joni Mitchell, Billie Marten, Lucy Rose, and even a bit of Fleetwood Mac. The mixture of those who inspire her, her style, and her distinctive vocals create an incredible sound that is uniquely hers.
Louise’s EP begins with one of her singles “Out of Sight (Out of Mind).” This mellifluous track tells the story of a sheltered heart that unexpectedly finds love, so she finally begins to let someone in past the walls she’s built up around it. She is used to being in control of her mind and her emotions, but this man has intoxicated her every waking moment and she soon becomes addicted to the light he’s brought into her world. This conflicted sentiment continues into the next song “Melancholic Antidote,” the album’s instrumental interlude. Although the piano piece is in a major key, which denotes an uplifting attitude, Francesca flourishes the song with a few added ninths and modal shifts that give the melody a gloomier vibe. In placing the interlude so early on in the tracklist, she perfectly sets the mood for the rest of her record.
Following “Melancholic Antidote,” the vibe of the record changes slightly. “If I’m Wrong” brings in an alternative pop sound as Francesca grapples with the adjustments in her current reality. She compares her mundane life to the fairytales she once knew and loved as a kid; and as the song builds, she addresses her resilience in times of heartache and change, and creates an empowering statement. She knows her strengths and will not let anyone demean her for her weaknesses. This sentiment is carried into “Ride the Waters.”
The fourth track of Francesca’s record feels almost like a sequel to “If I’m Wrong.” In the throes of a painful breakup, she finds comfort in being herself, and by resolving any doubt in the strength she has, she becomes an independent, powerful woman. “Ride the Waters” has a well-rounded, classic rock sound that sets it apart from the rest of the EP. While these two tracks truly showcase her remarkable voice the most, her songwriting talent is illustrated best in “Seasons Change.”
This acoustic, folksy song has strong influences from Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac. It opens with a beautiful finger picking guitar riff overlaid with her soft, sincere voice as she tells the story of a woman who has been shaped by her life experiences. She wears a dress of golden Autumn leaves, each one symbolizing a significant moment in her life. When new instances arise and seasons change, her leaves are altered as well. Along the way, she meets new people who yearn to have the experiences she’s had and she finds consolation in learning that some of her leaves resemble those of other people. That we all feel heartache, joy, depression, and bliss. “Seasons Change” is easily the most outstanding track off Melancholic Antidote.
Francesca Louise concludes her debut record with an anthem of solemn gratitude. “You Don’t Love Me Now” takes pieces of every song that precedes it and creates an ode to the memory of a past love. She contemplates the good and the bad of their relationship and comes to terms with the fact that it’s over by appreciating the time she shared with this person.
In despite of all that comes with heartbreak and deceit
I could not imagine life if we were not to meet
All the possibilities arising from pure chance
You just happened to be sitting on my favorite bench
As Melancholic Antidote cycles back to the beginning, we can experience the thrill of falling in love again, both with someone extraordinary and with ourselves.
You can watch Francesca Louise’s music video for “Out of Sight (Out of Mind)” below!https://www.youtube.com/embed/TTHrZkx2-Pk?wmode=opaque&enablejsapi=1
Francesca Louise
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