Amarrai Cabell – happily miserable
Amarrai Cabell from St. Louis has released a new album: “happily miserable“. This album introduces us to his dark indie-alternative style. His sound is refreshing and distinctive in the current music landscape. “Happily Miserable” forms the first part of an announced trilogy. Fans can, therefore, expect more from Cabell in the future. The musical journey he begins with this album promises an interesting development of his artistic vision.
“saint louis, missouri” opens the album with an ode to Cabell’s hometown. The local influences are subtly woven into his music. The album title reflects the emotional contradiction that runs through all nineteen tracks. This paradox forms the core of the album. Cabell moves effortlessly between moments of introspective gloom and unexpected glimpses of hope. The title track “happily miserable, (V2)” captures the essence of the entire album. The track combines melancholic guitar sounds with Cabell’s captivating vocals. The emotional tension between sadness and acceptance is perfectly captured in this central track.
The current single “glass house” functions as a perfect introduction to Cabell’s artistic vision. In this song, he addresses vulnerable themes with an engaging production. The honesty in his lyrics contrasts with the protective metaphor of the title. The melody is catchy and invites repeated listening.
Songs like “if Life is unfair doesn’t that make it fair for everyone” show his profound side. The title alone raises philosophical questions that Cabell explores in his lyrics. Also, “my therapist has a therapist” shows how Cabell reflects on complex emotions. He dares to explore the dark sides of mental health.
A special track is the actually too short “Ryan Breaux Interlude”. The instrumental piece honors Frank Ocean’s deceased brother, who played an important role in Cabell’s early musical development. Cabell also sings some songs in French, such as in “Écoute, je ne peux plus faire ça” and “fleur du mal”. He uses language as an additional instrument to enrich his artistic expression. The French titles, but also the French phrases in some other songs, add a poetic dimension to his work. The emotional depth in this tribute is palpable and gives the album an extra layer of authenticity.
In “berengaria of navarre” he incorporates historical elements into his music. This reference to the medieval queen shows that Cabell draws inspiration from unexpected sources. These diverse influences make the album rich and interesting. They create a musical tapestry that deserves many listening sessions. The production moves between simplicity and complexity. Acoustic parts transition smoothly into electronic sounds. This dynamic keeps the listener engaged and provides surprising turns. The only unfortunate thing is that the tracks sometimes also stop surprisingly abruptly. The album concludes with “game of thrones”; an ambitious song that emphasizes the epic nature of personal conflicts.
With “happily miserable”, Amarrai Cabell has made an interesting album. It confirms his place as an innovator within alternative music. This album reveals an artist who is not afraid to transform personal experiences into universal themes. His talent for combining different styles makes this album fascinating for fans of innovative music. (8/10) (BHD Factory)
