Witches

In “Witches”, the 2020 single by the South African, Berlin-based singer-songwriter Phoebe Alice Lou, the soundscape has been elevated. Synths are at the forefront, cosmic and summery, and a fast-paced drum beat gallops hyperactively throughout. The distinctive vocals, akin to the likes of Molly Burch and Jessica Pratt, remain the driving force- high pitched and hypnotic like a wolf calling under the moon. Witches- in popular culture, folklore, or religion- signify a kind of female empowerment that, whether perceived positively, stylistically, or negatively, is about taking ownership of oneself and working with nature. In a shift that sees Alice Phoebe Lou (who refuses to sign a record deal) presenting an arguably bolder sound, the reference to witches is predictable but also appropriate. Lyrically there’s both dependence and independence, the power of being attached to someone/something but keeping level-headed about it- ‘You’ve got this golden way of making my body sway/ Of making my mind fly away’ she tunefully starts off before repeating in the chorus ‘just don’t try and save me because I don’t wanna be saved.’ - Francesca Rose, Atwood Magazine