The Pulltops – Make Me Smile

The Pulltops are back with some fresh music. This time, the Milwaukee indie duo offers “Make Me Smile,” an exceptional composition that serves as a proper continuation of their recent singles “With You,” “Wide Awake,” “Stronger,” and “Between The Lines” EP. Still, The Pulltops push the boundaries of the genre with each new song, so that’s the case with “Make Me Smile” as well. Perhaps these creative musicians took all the vital elements of indie and shaped them to their taste, but this song also carries some of the finest properties borrowed from alternative, alt-folk, Americana, and pop-rock. Of course, The Pulltops remain loyal to their primary sonic direction, while these additional elements serve as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that uplift this meaningful indie ballad on an entirely new level.

“Make Me Smile” is one of those songs that will immediately grab your attention. The Pulltops thoroughly planned the entire song structure, so every segment comes with many cleverly arranged themes, leads, melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions. The guitars shine in this song, and you’ll immediately notice how the arpeggiated chord progressions pave the way for the remainder of the instrumentations. These experienced musicians gradually shape the calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal atmosphere where the guitars play a significant role, but let’s not forget equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines. The bass guitar unquestionably offers heaviness, depth, and clarity to “Make Me Smile,” but it also acts as a binding element between guitars and outstanding drumming performance. You’ll notice how rhythmic sequences based upon downtempo, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics provide groove and pace, but also keep the remainder of the instrumentations in line. Every instrument has many purposes in this sonic equation, and you’ll undoubtedly hear everything these skillful musicians incorporated into it.

But probably the most important thing about “Make Me Smile” is the hypnotic cinematic ambiance achieved by stacking layers of cleverly assembled melodies and flawless vocal harmonies. You’ll be amazed how the lead and back vocals articulate throughout the entire song, giving every segment an even more cathartic feel. The Pulltops thought about everything while writing, composing, recording, and producing “Make Me Smile,” and the effort paid off in a mesmerizing indie ballad that will instantly become your favorite song. It carries all the vital elements of the genre but also pays homage to the alternative, alt-country, Americana, pop rock, and cinematic ambient. Therefore, it will appeal to even the pickiest listeners. “Make Me Smile” is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!