Single Review: Absentee

The truth can be many things – challenging, concerning, infuriating or even thought-provoking. It may be all of these things, or something completely different. It can become all-consuming and overwhelming, threatening to explode around you.

Other times it delicately floats in the background, drifting unconsciously until it is awakened, and someone pays attention to it.

This is how Absentee by Curlys Jewels starts; delicate and somewhat unassuming. A beautifully subtle prologue, Janelle’s opening vocals are captivating and ethereal – in other words, simply breathtaking.

It’s true what they say – first impressions count; and with this song, those first impressions are enticingly good. It is those first impressions that implore for the song to be played to the very end, over and over again.

It is obvious from the onset that this is a profoundly personal song and perhaps that is what makes it so relatable. The lyrics are genuine and heartfelt, Absentee depicts so much more than words on paper – it exposes deep emotions and raw sentiments.

Once the chorus kicks in, Absentee steps up a notch, elevating it to sophisticated levels. Each instrument complements Janelle’s vocals faultlessly, making it appear as though the process of creating music is much easier than it really is. It is evident that a lot of attention to detail has gone into this song.

Aaron’s guitar and Andy’s bass coupled with Corey’s drums are precise and exact, creating the perfect accompaniment to the lyrics. This is not music by numbers, this is a dedicated group of musicians who have worked together as a team to craft the ideal way to showcase Absentee.

This could be Curlys Jewels finest song to date.