Australian solo artist, Leo, has released their debut single, ‘Doctor’, a track that sheds a much-needed light on the realities of living with mental health problems.
In terms of its genre, the track is hard to place. It falls somewhere between indie-pop and indie-folk, occupying the same ‘in-between’ space as Angel Olson and Fleet Foxes.
The 21-year-old singer’s maiden release doesn’t hold back and puts its often-avoided subject matter at the heart of its sound.
The words tell a story of going to see a doctor, who can’t offer much more than verbal support: “you haven’t fixed me/you’re supposed to be a modern witch for me” Leo sings, offering an honest and relatable insight into their own personal frustrations.
The anecdotal nature of the tune is akin to an Arlo Parks record and does more than offer an insight into Leo’s own struggles: it adds an undeniable relatability to a song that frankly and candidly portrays an issue faced by millions. The bold choice to dive headfirst into such a topic speaks to both the singer’s decisiveness and artistic ability.
The song’s instrumentation echoes its delicate subject matter: a wistful vocal provides the track with a soft bed, while an omnipresent chord progression gives it an anchor. Synths are also used to add a layer of complexity, slowly developing into a captivating soundscape.
Leo is signed to Grrrl Groannn records, a Birmingham based label that already boasts a roster of fresh young talent. Fans of this tune will be able to look forward to an EP from the singer later this year.