What happens if you combine elegance and nostalgia? ‘Lullaby No. 15: Gabriela’ happens. A gentle, hypnotic piece, the single marks the latest effort by Austin-based musician and songwriter Smells Like Rain. The release arrives off the back of a very productive year, with the Texan creative clearly enjoying a blooming spell of musical inspiration.
From a sonic standpoint, ‘Lullaby No.15: Gabriela’ feels incredibly tender and evocative, with a heavy focus on blissful folk textures and raw minimalism. Recorded by Smells Like Rain himself, the song carries a certain immediacy, and it has no production filters of sorts; what you hear is what you get, and for that we are thankful, as it makes the record feel authentic and relatable. The artist’s classical roots do make themselves known from time to time, especially in the way the strings are carefully arranged.
Delving deeper into the record’s meaningful ethos, Smells Like Rain explains: “This song is about relinquishing control. In a time of rapid change, job insecurity, high cost of living, and political unrest, the speaker recognises his need for community and for empathy with his partner. This song is about practising radical acceptance, even in tough circumstances.” We appreciate such candid and honest artistry, as it’s clear that the American musician is moving with purpose and true integrity.
Recommended! Discover ‘Lullaby No.15: Gabriela’ now: