Pallmer move against the current on new single, “Swimming”
New Brunswick trio Pallmer caps off a massive year, sharing a new video for their single “Swimming” on the heels of an eight-province cross-country tour.
“‘Swimming’ was written in the thick of February while I was struggling with pretty severe burnout,” said Pallmer singer/cellist Emily Kennedy (she/her). “I was trying to understand my physical experience while also being infatuated with escapism, romanticizing memories of summer during times that felt light. I also felt a lot of denial, not wanting to accept that I was struggling, that my body was telling me to stop.”
“Swimming” hails from Pallmer’s debut LP of the same name (out 02/2024). Recorded with JUNO Award-winning producer Joshua Van Tassel at his secluded home studio on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Swimming encompasses 9 songs loosely bound together by their use of nature as a greater metaphor for everyday lived experiences.
To that end, “Swimming” features a stunning companion video shot by Kennedy in Reykjavik, Iceland earlier this year, during a stormy day with 80km/h winds.
Review
“Swimming” takes us on a captivating journey through human emotions with Emily Kennedy’s enchanting vocals. The honest lyrics create a tapestry of introspection and vulnerability. The emotional impact is heightened by the chamber pop arrangement, blending vocals and instruments seamlessly for a dreamy sonic experience.
The recurring motif of swimming becomes a powerful metaphor, expressing a profound yearning to dive into life’s intricacies, embracing both its sweetness and challenges. The repeated refrain of “Wishing I could swim in it” echoes the universal desire for a profound connection to the rich tapestry of emotions, creating a hauntingly beautiful resonance throughout the song.
“Swimming” invites you to jump into your emotions and feel comfort in the ups and downs of life. The song tells us a lot about what it means to be human, and it’s like a deep dive into the complex parts of our souls.