Tay Temple's Second Single Ladybird is the Perfect Autumn Lazy-Day Ballad
It is a chilly, November Saturday afternoon. Aaron is tuning up his guitar for an unplugged noodling session in the decreasing yellow sunset, the occasional *bonk* and spray of erratic music can be heard from the direction of Mark’s room, and I am simply sat staring out the lounge window - for the third time this week - watching the dying leaves detaching from their branches one-by-one, and wondering how we’re all going to cope with this new lockdown. Wishing more than ever that I could be out exploring a fog-submerged forest or hiking up a moor in the pouring rain, I am having to resort to using my imagination, and what better way to visualise this than by listening to Tay Temple’s new single: Ladybird.
Temple’s enchanting autumnal tones will make you hold your pumpkin-spice latte closer and enjoy the steadily drifting leaves and smoky air with a melancholy “hm”. Being somewhat reflective of the dimming light, her lyrics are surprisingly angsty for a primarily acoustic act reminiscent of local folk-rock acts. This made her work stand out to me as she is keen to signal her confidence and willingness to pour both heart and soul into context. On Spotify, Temple’s biography reads that she aims to spread awareness and change, using her music to help others as it has helped her. The personality that imbues Ladybird is a prime example of this.
I was originally contacted by guitarist Jordi Shevlin, a musician that I have worked with in the past for his other band; country duo Blown Away By Giants, so I was not even remotely taken aback by the fact that his influence on the music brought positive things. We had originally listened to Ladybird through weaker speakers and I had questioned whether his lead lines overstepped with the vocals, but after using headphones – being able to hear the full range of the mix – it is clear that it is a more subtle harmonic feature that aims to compliment and harmonise, and it does this. I do think that this is something worth noting, however, as in other settings it might differ and listeners might find it distracting.
Jasmine Gordon’s bass provides a similar addition, this time on the opposite end of the spectrum. Her electronic bass is another pleasant juxtaposition in the mix and she does the track a heart-warming favour. As the percussion is arrives to provide an increase in dynamics, Ladybird a climax while still maintaining the living-room hearth fire warmth. A song crafted to fit the current season and general mood, whether intentionally or not.
You can find Tay Temple on Spotify and other streaming services. Grab a mug of your preferred hot beverage, a sofa seat with the family and prepare to gaze out of your window while listening to Ladybird.