Review: "josie" - philine
- Azalea Withrow
- May 30
- 2 min read
philine's newest release, "josie," is an admission of post-break-up clarity. Tending to the pain of heartbreak until it becomes an aid to self-realization is the journey encapsulated in this ballad. Inviting listeners to resonate with feelings of rejection, longing for closure, and contemplation over what went wrong, philine's vulnerability garners trust with her audience. Showing that, sometimes it's only after leaving a dynamic you were stuck in that sheds light on its unique critical failures in fulfilling your needs. In her own words, "the more I healed from it and the older I’ve grown, the more I realize how much of what I had experienced as a rejection from her, was also shaped by my own insecurities."
Counting down the opening strums of guitar, philine wastes no time diving into the complications of her past relationship delivering the first line "you could have been a little more kind to me" in her charismatic tone. Switching seamlessly between notes in the first verse, philine lays bare her emotions by putting the focus on her singing and lyrics which are accompanied by minimal instrumental backing. Transitioning into the chorus philine sings a run on the lyric "i'd love to get closure" bringing the sound into an airy vocal space. The chorus brings a fuller sound continuing the guitar, adding percussion, and stacking philine's voice. The various timing of each lyric's length creates a compelling soundscape that satisfies alongside the song's rhythmic instrumentation.
Originally from The Netherlands, philine was surrounded by music in her upbringing. Specifically, she was inspired at a young age by her mother's teaching music to young children. Most recently, she opened for Riley Pearce on a short tour leg. Having amassed nearly 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, her music resonates with a widespread audience. She says that a lot of the songwriting process is mental identifying as a big overthinker. "These songs are the moments when I'm captured inside of my thoughts." Planning her next tour, philine has no intentions of stopping any time soon so get to listening!
Written By Azalea Withrow
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