Liqueedo – English Rose

If you desperately needed a throwback to the eighties, a golden era when indie rock music ruled the airways with acts like The Smiths, The Stone Roses, and others, then you came to the right place because Liqueedo has released a marvelous composition that screams those years when this particular genre resonated with the crowd the most. “English Rose” is the first piece of work this year and the third single in total by Arturo Molinara, an outstanding Italian singer-songwriter who understands that indie music is not only about heavily distorted guitars and anthemic choruses but also about that sweet, calm, soothing,  ethereal atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and relaxation. Liqueedo has mastered this sound to the point where each vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuver acts like something you might expect from him. It’s a natural progression of an incredible artist capable of transforming, evolving, and improving indie music to the point that it sounds like you’ve been stumbling upon it on the radio for the first time. Lyrically, this song is a dedication to all those people who are fully unaware of their worth, totally detached from the fact that they’re a valuable part of someone else’s life. “English Rose” serves as a reminder of how much magic they bring to people who value them the most. These are the moments where Arturo Molinara’s songwriting shines in the limelight, as he brings all those poetic and storytelling aesthetics to his lyricism while keeping it grounded in the indie rock spectrum. It’s a perfect balance that will work fine for both fans of a poetic or a direct approach. Liqueedo’s sonic spectrum extends to the point where “English Rose” is not only an indie rock song but a comprehensive collection of more or less vividly hearable styles. You’ll notice how he incorporated bits and pieces of indie pop, power pop, dream pop, alternative, and other similar genres, employing all the tools of the trade in order to deliver a truly magnificent sonic experience. Now, while all these styles are notable in the mix, you’ll also hear how some of them just appear during the particular segments, while the others are noticeable throughout the entire track. Those are the moments where Liqueedo’s composing shines, making this track a beautiful voyage worth repeating over and over again.

One of the most important details that defines the fascinating sound is the guitar work. You’ll immediately hear how the carefully, thoughfully, and wisely crafted interplays between electric and acoustic guitars shape a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. On one side, you have all those luxuriant, beautiful, delicate chord progressions delivered on acoustic guitar, while the other side shines with generously but subtly distorted themes, melodies, harmonies, accentuations, and arpeggiated chord progressions delivered on an acoustic guitar. There’s also a notable touch of studio reverb, giving more space to the guitars and bringing that feeling like you’ve been sitting in a rehearsal room, listening to Liqueedo’s excellent performance. Throughout the entire composition, the guitars remain lush, detailed, and enchanting, just like they should sound in songs like this one. But of course, “English Rose” wouldn’t sound fascinating like this without Arturo Molinara. By channeling the vocal techniques of the greatest singers of that particular era, he brings you back to the golden eighties, the times when indie rock was in its prime. His signature moves command attention, elevate every chord progression to new heights, and guide listeners during each segment. Still, there are many signature moves that define Liqueedo’s vocal style. The perfect balance of calm, soothing, soaring chants and more octave higher singing contributes more dynamics and decorate “English Rose” properly. Besides decorating these segments and orchestrations, he also brings more than necessary emotional depth and complexity to the table, making this track hypnotic, addictive, and irresistible. Beneath all those lush vocal and guitar works, you’ll hear subtle yet vividly hearable basslines, contributing more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. The drumming also brings more groove and dynamics to the table, with all those tastefully assembled, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. As you can see and hear, each instrument plays a significant role in this sonic equation.

With “English Rose,” Liqueedo brings back the finest eighties and nineties music had to offer, but with a modern twist and plenty of signature moves that also previously defined his style. This outstanding composition positions him as a torchbearer of the contemporary indie scene, as he delivers one of the finest indie songs ever. Therefore, do not miss this marvelous song, because it will end up on your playlist as soon as you hear it.