Lizzie Esau’s ‘Impossible + Strange’ is a captivating musical journey that seamlessly blends poignant lyrics with a rich tapestry of sounds. Raised in a creatively charged environment, Lizzie’s roots shine through in this track, a testament to her early love for performing.
The genesis of the song, inspired by experimenting with chords on an acoustic guitar, unveils a lyrical narrative that explores the agony of waiting for a fervently desired event. The imagery of “floating down a drainpipe down the side of my mind” paints a vivid picture of the mental labyrinth one traverses while yearning for something elusive.
Produced and mixed by Steve Grainger, a long-time collaborator, the song’s musical landscape evolves organically. Beginning with raw acoustic simplicity and intimate vocals, it gradually escalates into ethereal chants and riffy bass parts. The composition mirrors the emotional depth of the lyrics, with dreamy verses and explosive choruses expressing the frustration of feeling powerless in one’s life.
Clocking in at 2 minutes and 58 seconds, ‘Impossible + Strange’ is a masterclass in condensed emotional storytelling. Lizzie Esau’s artistry, coupled with Grainger’s production, delivers a sonic experience that spans a spectrum of colours, textures, and tones, leaving the listener immersed in a whirlwind of energy and emotion.