Wow. Here’s a really genuinely, gut-wrenchingly good addition to the recent rock renaissance. “Inside My Head” by Holly Wild isn’t trying to be anything it’s not. It’s not forcing any cliches. It’s not hanging on to the vestiges of a bygone genre. It’s exactly what rock music should be–well-written at its core, energetic, inventive, and whole-heartedly unique. And to top it off, Holly Wild’s voice just oozes emotion. There’s so much to unpack about this track, so let’s take a quick look.
The guitar riff at the beginning lives in a deep register and introduces the chords alone. It’s got this dramatic melancholy to it already. “When I walked into the crowded room / I saw the girls I knew at school / I waited in the corner,” Holly utters on a low pitch. Her delivery is fast and narrative, not focusing too much on rhyme quite yet. It allows us to take in some exposition and also juxtaposes the (impending) structure of the chorus. The chords are classic but non-diatonic, which keeps them accessible while also injecting the atmosphere with a tinge of darkness.
We break into halftime suddenly, and with a wash of guitar chords and belted vocals, the chorus arrives. It’s climactic. It’s gloriously well-timed. Holly reaches up to high notes, imbued with rasp and emotionality. You’re left blown away by the power of not only her voice but the arrangement that built up to this anthemic moment.
Be sure to give Holly Wild some love on your choice of social media or streaming service! “Inside My Head” is a moving, brilliant piece of songwriting.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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