“Stagnation” is an enthralling new single from D’Lee, whose melding of cinematic folk and country stirs alongside a riveting vocal performance — yearning to break free from stagnation and the darkness of personal tumult. “This one came from a very real space that most would never dare to go to,” D’Lee says. “It’s about those moments when everything around you is moving forward and you’re just….not! I wanted to honor it by giving it a voice-not to wallow in it, but to recognize the strength it takes just to hold on.”
Coming via her upcoming EP fifty-five, due early next year, “Stagnation” continues a stream of successful, dynamic singles for D’Lee. “Take a Good Time Too Far” achieved a warming country-pop glow, while “Sunday Girl” embraced a mixture of clap-laden rhythms and synth-touched momentum in its electro-country allure. “Stagnation” represents one of her most emotive, moody successes — stylishly succeeding with a more grounded folk, pop, and country cohesion, with shades of Fleetwood Mac in the vocal tone and twangy guitar maneuvers.
A chilling introduction enamors, as trickling guitars and lyrical admissions of losing one’s way. A wordless vocal swell then builds into the “stagnation, stuck in place, stagnation, I can’t escape” melancholy — moving within flickering guitars and gentle keys as the “same old days on repeat” laments continue. A heavier rock grit invigorates past the two-minute turn, achieving an anthemic turn as electric guitars and soaring vocals converge. The “I’m the one to blame” vocal and ensuing gasp then concludes the stellar track with impactful artistry.
