If you’ve been looking for another track with the same energy as “Disco Yes” by Tom Misch, you’re in luck. “Pal” by Murphy Smith has all the funky, clean-cut guitar work and vibrant melody writing you could want from a song. You’ll doubtlessly break out in dance, or at least crack a smile. So, let’s get into why this song deserves your attention.
A click and a brief, distorted peek into the coming chorus usher into our experience. A kick-clap percussion groove lays under the pithy, soulful guitar lick. Electronic keys fill out a little legato chord movement. “When you’re on the move…” the vocals ring out over the ever-grooving instrumentation. Little instrumental stops pleasantly interrupt the lead melody for small periods, keeping us invested in the evolving rhythm.
When we arrive at the chorus, the words simplify to a few repeated syllables/phrases. This is where you really want to sing along. A choir of background vocals swarms behind everything, as well as a fuzzy, pulsing synth. It’s hard to explain how the sound gets so much bigger here, but it really fills up. You’re swimming in a sea of textures, colors, and timbres. Needless to say, it’s pretty climactic.
Stick around for a wildly mesmerizing keys solo and a melodically gratifying ending. There’s so much to love about this song, so putting it all into words is impossible. Instead, just hit play and let yourself melt into the funk/pop goodness that is “Pal.” You won’t soon forget the artistic stylings of Murphy Smith.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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