Montell Fish Questions the Ether in the Enthralling "Is It a Crime?"
Photo: Brandon Minton
Today, Montell Fish unveils the second single from his highly-anticipated new album, Charlotte, set to be released sometime in 2024. The single, titled "Is It a Crime?," is a captivating preview of what's to come, featuring Prince-flavored moments that blend seamlessly with Fish's unique musical style.
The single opens with gorgeous guitar riffs framed with deep, dark synths that lurk in the background of the production, mirroring the lingering feelings Fish delivers with his signature vulnerable falsetto vocals. "Is it a crime, crime—you're on my mind?," Fish croons against a jagged riff after the drums drop out. It's heavy and evocative, with moments of impactful silence on the track creating a sense of space between sounds and making it existential to question right and wrong.
The music video for "Is It a Crime?" is not just a visual representation of the song, but a profound journey into its emotional depth. It portrays Fish in a deserted gas station, his electric guitar illuminating the scene as the station's lights flicker above. The video mirrors the palpable loneliness of the song's lyrics, with Fish making yet another unanswered call at the payphone booth.
“Is It a Crime is a song I’ve been working on for a couple years," shares Fish. "Psychologically it kind of points to being in a state of constant Stockholm syndrome, wondering why I keep falling in love with and protecting someone who keeps hurting me. Theologically it points to my own battles with religion. Sometimes when I think about it, I appreciate the child like ignorance I had back then. Scriptures like 'love your enemies, bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you.' They left me so confused because I tried to love a ghost. They left me loving a manipulator.”
"Is It a Crime?" follows the success of his previous release, "Who Did You Touch?", a testament to Fish's ability to captivate with his powerful falsetto and brace exploration of complex themes. His recent achievements, including joining James Blake for his CMYK Day & Night party and wrapping up his 'Intercession Before Charlotte' tour, have not just heightened the anticipation for his upcoming album but laid the groundwork for Fish to emerge as one of 2024's breakout auteurs.
Watch the "Is It a Crime?" video below:
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