Single Review: Crickets

East of Queen is Katherine Parsons, an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Auckland. She launched her dreamy second single Crickets on the 10th of July.

Crickets is a stark contrast to Parsons’ debut single Wonder, which graced our ears in April of last year. Wonder is an easy listening pop folk track and is infectious and upbeat, whereas Crickets has a moodier feel to it, yet it is hopeful in its message of falling in love with someone new.

Crickets starts off with a raging distorted guitar riff that draws the listener in instantly, accompanied by a trudging bass line that pushes the track along easily. Parsons’ dreamy yet haunting vocals are reminiscent of UK band Daughter’s Elena Tonra. Her pure vocal tone is effortless and her emotional delivery of her thought-provoking lyrics is captivating.

The track is simple in its form: verse, chorus, verse chorus, yet this simplicity is what makes the track so strong. The lack of a bridge is made up for with a beautiful piano outro, accompanied by the peaceful chirping of crickets, no less.

Although an unfamiliar name at this stage, East of Queen has promised new music for 2020. If it’s going to be anything like Crickets, then I would say we are in for a treat. Keep an eye out for the name: East of Queen.