SINGLE REVIEW

Armeen Musa is one of the more celebrated names of the indie music scene in the country. After all, 2008's “Ai Ghum Bhangai” was probably one of the few times an indie inspired album was released under a major label in Bangladesh.

“Graceland” is a single from the Armeen's upcoming album, to be released later this year. Released online earlier this month, the song is a short indie pop ballad about growing up and embracing liberty and the little joys of being free; the guitar and the piano work together to make the backdrop lush and serene. If you close your eyes and let the music take over, you will be transported to never-ending meadows. The song's protagonist has a very different “graceland” in mind. It's about living on one's own in a big city. But I'd suppose the idea of graceland will vary from person to person and the music really does paint the sense of peace one would get after arriving at one's graceland, as the lyrics go. The violin is the standout of the single.

Armeen's voice maintains the characteristic vibe she had when she first burst into the scene nearly six years ago. She delivers her signature sound very strongly and if you're a fan, you will be pleased but it's not a big move away from her earlier work. It definitely had the potential to take at least one more interesting turn and by the time the song ended at around the 3 minute mark, I really felt like the song could have offered more. Not sure if a violin solo or another verse, just something more would have certainly added a new edge.

Nevertheless it's a pleasant song and Armeen's unique qualities shine throughout. Definitely looking forward to the album.

You can listen to the song here: http://youtu.be/h0-gA7JXsVs