Synth Single Review: “Pity Party” by Natalie Gray
by Karl Magi
Natalie Gray’s “Pity Party” pours out prismatic waves, creating warmth as a phone rings and the percussion begins to tap, before an answering machine message starts. Jack Craig’s production flashes with effervescent energy and gigantic, retro percussion resounds below Natalie Gray’s confident vocal delivery with its compelling resonance.
A jumping guitar gives off exuberant impressions while vibrant synth chords punctuate the song. The classic '80s sound and the electrifying dynamism in Natalie Gray’s vocals draws me in. The chorus carries a wry sense of humor while the big beats press on.
As the funky electric bass locks into the groove, Natalie Gray puts some fun into the vocals. Cymbals flare as she belts out the words with pop energy and the guitar adds lightning strength above the pulsating drum beat before the song concludes.
Complaining that she just needs a break, the main character asks for "five little minutes just to go right " as she wonders how much it'll take. With a sigh, she says, "Life's a joke and I'm the punchline." The narrator asks the listeners to "clap for the queen of the almost-made-it’s" because, despite her life being a dream, she seems to hate it. "At least it looks nice" and you're not going to see her “crying in the disco lights."
Our protagonist welcomes the listeners to her pity party where she's going to dance all night and cry until morning. She adds, "don't forget your paper crown, I'll provide the breakdown" reminding everyone that the dress code is "sad but glam." She invites everyone to come on down to her pity party where they’re all welcome.
Putting on "glitter like its armour" while inflating balloons for her own drama, the storyteller says that she, "told my friends ‘I'm doing fine’ then sobbed into a boxed white wine." Once again, she invites us to "clap for the queen of the almost-made-it’s.” The narrator observes "What a smile! I think she fakes it. Would you even know?"
To conclude, our protagonist asks, "What's the point in trying when you're so close to crying? What's the point in trying? No one's going to save you. "
