Earlier this month, Indie-Pop singer Victoria Canal released ‘Chamomile’, an uplifting, inspiring single which focuses on her recovery from depression. It explores how friendship helps her through difficult times, while using beautifully written, joyful melodies to convey the comfort of companionship.
The audible count-in sets the song’s mood as immediately intimate and welcoming, creating a space where the listener can feel part of the music. At the first lyric, Canal’s hypnotic voice heightens the feeling of intimacy in the song, and encourages the listener to relax into the soothing tones of her iconic classical guitar. The balance is perfect; the soft, rhythmic strums create an aura of stability and comfort alongside her wispy, steady voice. Much like the theme of the song, the drums are steady and relaxed, and the harmonies tie it all together to create a warm breeze of precious sound.
The warm, peaceful lyrics focus on her best friend, Lucy Clearwater, who is also a musician. The song explains how their friendship has helped Canal through difficult times with her mental health. The mellow, wholesome track revolves around an experience where they go to the grocery store, which ends up being a significant point in Canal’s recovery.
The words ‘I would love to reach the point where I take care of me’ bring a hopeful, trusting feel to the song, just as a chorus of angelic background vocals drift in and lift up the sense of the song, creating a floating, feather-like sound. The smooth bassline supports the chorus, overall creating an upbeat, ethereal effect that is heavenly to hear.
A stand-out moment in the song is the final chorus, where the melody lifts and changes, and she sings ‘I would love to … reach across the aisle and say that I can do this too’. These words perfectly combine the experience of recovery and the feeling of support that only comes from close friendship.
Canal’s meaningful honesty creates a deep connection and an understanding between her and her listeners, and is a common trait in her music. Her music often focuses on queerness and friendship, such as in her song ‘Company’, and her openness about her identity is endlessly appreciated by her fans.
With hints of an album in the near future, we are excited for what Canal will next bring to light with her incredible talent and the unwavering honesty in her music.
Victoria Canal is joined on tour by Lucy Clearwater right now! Tickets are on sale here: https://www.victoriacanal.com/tour
Lucy Clearwater is releasing what could be considered the other half to ‘Chamomile’, a song called ‘When You’re Down’ on March 29th this year, which we are very much looking forward to.
Bacchanalia Magazine 
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