Sedona Paves Their Own Vulnerable Pop Rock Lane on "Soft Machine"
Photo By: Nicole Chan
The Brooklyn-based band, Sedona, is able to captivate listeners on every track through grand production that pushes indie pop in a more nostalgic rock direction. Sedona also differentiates themselves from the saturated indie landscape through the unique characteristics of lead singer Rachel Stewart's haunting yet powerful vocals.
The Arizona city is renowned for representing healing, change, and mourning. Rachel Stewart chose this as a namesake not only for these qualities, but more prominently traveling to Sedona is Stewart's earliest memory of her parents before their eventual divorce. Drawing from past experiences, the Los Angeles native seeks to explore similar topics of growth and emotional maturity. After moving to New York, Stewart teamed up with fellow band members Merilyn Chang, Claire Gilb, Margaux Bouchegnies, and Tia Cestaro to create Sedona.
The all-female group began paving a new direction with the February release of the track "Closer." The track builds a nostalgic pop rock atmosphere that sets Sedona apart from their contemporaries through its intricate songwriting and Rachel Stewart's intimate reflection on past relationships.
Sedona teases the release of their debut EP through the anthemic and empowering "Soft Machine." Multi-instrumentalist Barrie lends her expertise on the production of the track, which she coproduced with Rachel Stewart, to create a grand and vibrant pop rock anthem. All the band members play pivotal roles in contributing to this dreamlike aura through their lush and cinematic instrumentation. On "Soft Machine," Sedona gives a more optimistic reflection on the universal themes of heartbreak and sorrow.
Sedona's "Soft Machine" is a triumphant self-expression that listeners can easily relate to. If "Soft Machine" is any indication of what to expect on their debut EP, then the project will be equally as introspective, vulnerable, and emotionally potent.
Listen to "Soft Machine" below:
