Some exes make you cry; others just inspire you to write some kick-ass lyrics and expressive soulful melodies. April Gallo, sure is a living proof of that! The Barcelona-based rising artist has just released her latest song, Love Long Gone. Inspired by a dream about an ex-lover, Gallo manages to skillfully weave a musical tapestry that expresses the complexity of reminiscing an old relationship. It’s no secret that it is not easy to think about the memories of a past relationship without wiping a tear or two. There are always these feelings of loss and confusion alongside a little bit of grief to our loss, but hey! This is not necessarily the case with Gallo.
The neo-soul artist surprises us with a fresh outlook on this phase of reminiscence. You don’t find the artist curling up in her bed crying with ice-cream and chocolates, she is instead giving in to these memories and enjoying them as some sort of a sweet dream instead. This time she doesn’t “mind giving in to this futile chasing.” An incredibly accepting and peaceful surrendering to the harsh realities of a breakup, but perceived in such a positive and peaceful way. She bravely delivers the following lines, “Today I’m fooled, by the scars you left on me since waking.” A statement that requires a great deal of self-awareness and a level of acceptance that needs an incredible amount of emotional strength. The artist is surely providing us with a therapeutic kind of release delivered with an incredible soulful sound.
The brilliance of this track lies in how the lyrics, music, and Gallo’s voice are all perfectly complementing each other to deliver this intimate, chill, hopeful, and groovy kind of vibe. A combination you don’t really find that often. Her velvety voice is greatly supported and driven by a soulful groove driven by the drums, bass, rhodes, and electric guitar. Blending a unique jazzy, neo-soul, R&B, and bossa nova mix.
There is no doubt that this song is quite an intimate creation. Taking a universal experience, delving into its complexities, and asserting an outlook that is often overshadowed by others. It is not super positive nor heartbreaking and aching, it is just real. As real as it can be and as genuine as an R&B track should always aspire to be.