On April 19, Los Angeles-based trio Flor (usually stylized as “flor”) released their latest musical venture, a single called “Nosedive.” It is their first release since the single “Warm Blood Pt 2” from late February.
Flor, a newly independent and newly-trio American indie pop band formed in 2014, has run the mile of the genre and back multiple times over the past decade. From mellow, lowkey tones we hear in pieces like “ocean” and “warm blood” from their 2018 album “come out. you’re hiding” to upbeat, lively jams like “dancing around” from their 2019 release “ley lines,” the band has a song for every situation. Though their lyrics are often on the gloomier side of things, vocalist Zach Grace’s delicate, soft voice sings his laments confidently.
“Nosedive” follows a more somber path, exploring themes of feeling worthless and succumbing to unwanted thoughts. When listening, I can hear Grace’s passion behind his lyrics as he sings with a gravelly, raspy voice in the pre-choruses and bridge. The words in the chorus are seemingly a battle within himself.
“How could I stand myself hereafter / Lying in my own mess / Feeling so useless / You make me useless”
Even upon my first listen, I felt the things Grace was feeling. I usually need time to get acquainted with a song before I let it affect me emotionally, but this was different. The soft strumming of the guitar and the relaxing, evenly timed drumbeats craft a slower, more touching experience. The composition of the instruments perfectly flows with the lyrics, not necessarily telling us how to feel but aiding in the creation of a pensive undertone. In the past, Flor has often disguised sad lyrics with cheery instrumentals. It’s nice to hear them slow it down in this single, as well as to hear Grace’s soothing voice get a little throaty.
“I could change things / But you know it's the same / Riddled with doubt / I'd sit this one out if I could”
Grace talks about feeling like he was destined to fail from the start, and although he wants to change and better himself, he feels as if his doubts have full control over him. This theme is a personal one to explore and he is being more than vulnerable with us in “Nosedive,” which is greatly appreciated. As someone with similar struggles, hearing that the vocalist in one of my favorite bands since high school is comforting in a dismal way. I don’t want him to feel this way, but since it’s already happening, I find solace in the fact that someone is going through hard times and feels strong enough to share.
It’s always pleasant to be reminded that you’re not alone, as cliché as it sounds. “Nosedive,” through Flor’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic instrumentals, does the job amazingly.
by Abiageal Filon
April 24, 2024