Arlo Parks, otherwise known as Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho is a British singer-songwriter and poet who captivates audiences with her confessional lyrics and soulful melodies. She creates a distinctive blend of indie pop, R&B, and neo-soul, accompanied by her evocative and poetic lyrics. Her sophomore album My Soft Machine is a deeply personal body of work laid over cozy lo-fi hip hop. It’s a narration of Parks’ experiences as she navigates her 20’s and the growth that comes with it.
Arlo Parks had this to say about her new album: “The world/our view of it is peppered by the biggest things we experience – our traumas, upbringing, vulnerabilities almost like visual snow. This record is life through my lens, through my body – the mid-20s anxiety, the substance abuse of friends around me, the viscera of being in love for the first time, navigating PTSD and grief and self-sabotage and joy, moving through worlds with wonder and sensitivity – what it’s like to be trapped in this particular body….”
Bruiseless – This song briefly opens the album up with some spoken word poetry. It describes the way that Parks wishes she was untouchable, she tries to be numb, but she’s not the only one with trauma.
Impurities – This song is about friends who can create a safe space for you, where your inner flaws, past failures, and mistakes don’t matter. These people lift you up, make you laugh, embarrass who you are and make you feel good.
Devotion – This song is about how being so in love feels so intense it’s like being ripped apart. Parks’ delicate voice is layered over distorted guitars and classic drum fills until its abrupt end.
Blades – When Parks created this song she wanted to make something that she could finally dance to. This upbeat track has a retro beat paired with synth bass lines. ‘Blades’ is about tackling the collapse of a friendship and trying to find the courage to rebuild it.
Purple Phase – Has a laid-back charm to it, it’s not quiet surf rock but you could certainly add it to your beach playlist.
Weightless – This song captures the emotional turmoil of caring deeply for someone who only offers meager gestures of affection in return. It signifies the sudden realization that this person has and sets the stage for embarking on a gradual journey toward rediscovering and reclaiming their vibrant and authentic self.
Pegasus – This song featuring Phoebe Bridgers is a melodic indie rock song that attests to some of Parks’s romantic experiences. The pair duet over It’s about experiencing good love for the first time. The absence of chaos and the presence of genuine connection can be somewhat frightening, especially if it’s not what you’re used to.
Dog Rose – Stands out as a dream-pop song amongst the lo-fi vibes. It features whirly guitar that echoes throughout and delicate phrases about being unsure in love.
Puppy – is about moving into adulthood and how not everything goes as planned. It’s about learning to see yourself as a whole, learning to take care of yourself, and establishing a place in the world all come with time. It’s also about having a safe place to be able to express these insecurities and things that you struggle with.
I’m Sorry – Captures a pivotal moment of vulnerability, she offers a heartfelt apology to a cherished individual for her emotional distance. She acknowledges the allure of emotional detachment with the admission that it is ‘easier to be numb.’ Despite this temptation, she resists the path of desensitization.
Room (red wings) – This song sounds lighthearted with the hook of “I just wanna eat cake in a room with a view”, but it covers the hope of loving someone who always lets you down.
Ghost – This final track ends the album with an introspective song about a past relationship. Emotional pain can reopen old wounds. It serves as a reminder that the process of healing is continuous when you remember what’s been lost.
Arlo Parks’ move to LA seems to have had an effect on her music. Her poignant lyrics and unwavering authenticity have the addition of laid-back sunset and beach riffs. This album seems to have a lot more lightheartedness than her debut. Even when exploring some of the tougher moments that she has gone through in recent years, it is still an uplifting and triumphant listen. This album leans a lot toward indie/dream pop for an artist that has been praised for her innovative sound.
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