The keen reader might remember Chris Caulfield, Canadian songster with a knack for euphoric and poignant alt-pop matter. We extensively wrote about him on the occasion of previous single ‘Porchlight’, a stunning track we described as “one of the best offerings to date by the Torontonian, also showcasing the introspective and evocative nature of his vocals, capable of creating an emotional contour to an already meaningful piece”. Now, Caulfield returns with his latest effort, a haunting, gritty and hard-hitting gem that shares a different side of Chris’ artistry.
Sonically, we are in leftfield pop territories, with borrowed elements from hip-hop productions. Supercharged by New-York based engineer Aaron Bryn, the track feels fresh yet intense, building a compelling framework for Caulfield’s vocals, so dynamic and evocative, able to shift from melodious lines to scream-like sections.
Lyrically, Chris seems to take a darker approach, exploring the deepest corners of human consciousness: self-guilt, doubts and self-preservation, in a cryptic yet hypnotising take on people’s behaviours. As he explains: “We sometimes go on these selfish pursuits and put our heads down to work, and we can lose sight of other things around us or even elements of ourselves if that’s not balanced to a point.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Ugly’ on Spotify:
