Maws explores the lingering weight of past relationships on the evocative tracks “Jouska” and “Lost.” Based in Denver, the project pairs stripped-back guitar twangs with airy vocal layers to capture the isolation and emotional turmoil following a breakup.
A reflective, laid-back atmosphere takes hold throughout “Jouska.” Reminiscing of “younger days” and references to yesterday as an “empty place” struts a retrospective charm, melding with gently twanging guitars. “I look at her, but I see you,” the vocals let out as lush piano enters alongside the subdued guitars; the lyricism poetically captures lingering emotions following a breakup, tumultuous in its aftermath as one tries desperately to move on. Ghostly vocal layers in the second half further the sense of isolation, concluding the standout track with memorable immersion.
The more recently released “Lost” succeeds in a similar thematic realm, written from the perspective of someone brooding following a breakup. “It showcases the disdain and anger felt upon being left on your own, while also acknowledging the real feelings had and the longing to see that person again,” the project writes. Gorgeous vocal harmonizing are impactful as tender guitar twangs move into a delectably hazy tonal expanse around the one-minute turn. The dreamy guitar tones and mellow backing vocal adornments amidst the “lose my mind” admissions are particularly beautiful elements within this stellar production. Both “Jouska” and “Lost” are excellent releases from Maws.
—
These and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
