The Stars Align Align

Psychic Friend "Once A Servant"

If I didn't know this song was written and performed by Will Schwartz before I heard it, I might not have realized it. I've been a fan of Will's singing and songwriting in Imperial Teen and Hey Willpower for years, but though this song with his new band Psychic Friend is within his wheelhouse of melodic pop, his voice is noticeably different. It's less bratty and less wispy, and a lot more direct in projecting earnest, kind-hearted emotion. This is a beautifully constructed pop song, the parts are simple but very emphatic. It basically lingers on the same romantic feeling for three and a half minutes, but there are subtle dynamic shifts through the whole thing. The bridge is what really sells this one for me -- there's something so angelic and lovely about the way it ascends toward its climax. Visit Psychic Friend on Facebook.