A tender, welcoming work, ‘Rainbow Family’ is both simple and intricate. From a musical standpoint, the record’s folk-driven identity is rather soothing and cathartic, with charming acoustic guitars and melodic fiddles calling for a worry-free listening experience. Lyrically though, ‘Rainbow Family’ is much deeper than it might appear, delving into vocalist Zora McDonald’s own reflections, here touching themes of resilience, solitude and the transformative spirit of being a ‘misfit’, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.
Published under the Dryadic moniker – outfit featuring McDonald’s co-founder Joanna Dziecelska and fellow musicians Aly Rainey and George Pearson – ‘Rainbow Family’ showcases once again the nuanced work the group is capable of. There’s a constant tension in their work, as outlined above; a liminal contrast between complex songwriting and lush, gentle arrangements. Such a formula helps keep listeners engaged, especially given the honesty and authenticity behind Zora’s charming vocals.
Explaining how the single was primarily written during the pandemic, living on a canal boat in rural Gloucestershire, McDonald explains: “It reflects the longing for connection, the importance of chosen LGBTQ+ family, and the solace found in nature. The song’s poignant lyrics and uplifting melodies serve as both a cathartic expression and a rallying cry for inclusivity and belonging.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Rainbow Family’ on Spotify:
