Why Can’t We Pretend undoubtedly sees Sharon Lia Band at their most creative and beautifully emotive. Sharon’s vocal meets with the simplicity of a piano part to begin with, the two wander united yet creatively independent of each other as the track’s quietly pure introduction peaks into view. The melody-line and the music are already immune from the effects of genre or industry standards – there’s a freedom here that’s incredibly refreshing to witness; a quality that does seem to run throughout Sharon Lia’s musical catalogue to date.
As things build, the instrumentation grows fuller – the drop hits and the singer’s leading voice adapts brilliantly to this passionate evolution. The song seems to fall somewhere between classical and alternative pop – growing heavier in the heat of the moment, as the concept reaches its peak, yet leading the way initially with that genuine delicacy and its spacious, captivating nature.
The mood seems to even move from hopeful in those first piano notes, to melancholy with those lyrics and that falling melody. Following this, a world of emotional turmoil meets with one of longing – offering up this ever-changing, half optimistic, half dismayed aura. The music and the performance, the lyrics, the structure – everything works superbly as a unit to represent and underline these conflicting sentiments throughout.
While the song follows its own rules for the most part, the sound is professionally crisp and musically satisfying. The hook melody – the moment at which that key line is repeated – hits with the impact of a mainstream release for its simple familiarity and how quickly accessible it is. All in all, the writing allows the band to showcase their originality, but without losing that reach required to draw in a much wider audience. It’s a beautiful song, powerful in essence and perfectly well captured so as to let that strength really stand tall.
Release Date March 7th. Visit the Bongo Boy Records Website for more information.
