J.L.G: Lion Lady – Single Review

J.L.G provides a synthy, settled flow on the gorgeously arranged and beautifully breezy track, Lion Lady.

South Florida-based indie/synthpop artist J.L.G really knows how to put together a tantalisingly pleasing track. His great work in building synth-pop layers against an 80s-inspired atmosphere comes to life on new single Lion Lady, as the artist shows off his talents for gentle melodies and calm yet appealing arrangements. 

Starting off with settled white noise against playful bell-like tones, bass and synthy strings are gradually added to the mix before everything kicks in with a small explosion of sound. With a funky, 80s attitude and J.L.G’s vocals playfully adept against the ongoing lofi soundscapes, the track saunters along on a sea of tranquillity, the waves gently lapping and growing intermittently when needed. 

The track’s strength is the way it builds and adds layers and ideas as it progresses. There are only subtle differences but it really helps keep the listener interested. At one point layered backup vocals give us just what is needed to change up the flow before it perfectly pulls itself back inside its shell before releasing once more. The sax ebbs and flows throughout and is the perfect accompaniment, weaving and meandering onwards as the vocals settle back into the groove when necessary. 

Not as vibrant as you would expect it to be, this actually benefits the track. If you let it, it lulls you into a hypnotised state, gently caressing your ears in a way that you can’t help but feel relaxed. The songwriting is very self-aware as the synthy ballads move onwards before everything settles down and fades out leaving you wanting more.

Without doing much, Lion Lady does a lot. It’s a clever track that layers synthy flows and gentle soundscapes perfectly, allowing the vocals to wander off on tangents while the music keeps the ship steady. A mesmerising listen.

Score: 4/5