The keen reader will gladly remember Andrew Schneider. Previously celebrated in our publication as “an artist who unquestionably moves to the beat of his own drum”, the Chicago-based creative has recently unveiled his latest effort, a stunningly elegant and intricate original piece which fully captures our attention. Aptly titled ‘Femme Fatale’ – playfully echoing the effect the song will have on the listener – the song has been in Schneider’s personal notes and live performances since 2012, now finally being released into the world.
From a sonic standpoint, ‘Femme Fatale’ picks up from where ‘Mermaid Smiles’ left off, although it’s certainly less hazy and dreamy. Built around a constant tension between power-pop, guitar-based sections and swing, bluegrass-flavoured matter, the record is yet again hard to pinpoint to a precise genre or influence, instead showcasing Schneider’s rich and creative artistry. In particular, the jump from straight tempo to swing is a nice easter egg for any musician out there.
Such a diverse livery is the perfect match for Andrew’s witty and quirky lyricism. Delivered by his luscious, dynamic vocals – with a particular love for harmonies – ‘Femme Fatale’ focuses on intriguing storytelling, a “novel’s worth of detective fiction tropes” as the American talent so eloquently explains. This, paired with the eye-rolling lineup of sessions musicians involved, makes ‘Femme Fatale’ a must-listen. Even if it’s not up your street, it’s good to know that such artistry exists – you never know when you might need it.
Recommended! Discover ‘Femme Fatale’ on Spotify: