Rafaella’s BUICK confronts failed relationships and a fear of strife
By Megan Stevens
BUICK, the second single off of Minneapolis based singer Raffaella’s upcoming ep Live, Raff, Love (Act I), entangles the listener with an ambient guitar before giving way to lighthearted, drum-led acoustics. Listeners' attention focuses on Raffaella’s dreamily bouncy vocals and cyclical lyrics. The new single’s gossamer backing track perfectly balances its predecessor “BLONDE”, which was filled with heavy drums and vibrant, booming lead guitar.
Raffaella is no stranger to exploring the complexities of the feminine experience. On both her 2017 single Sororicide and 2022 single BLONDE, she touches on the idea of women’s infectious desire to create a fictional version of themselves. BUICK, however, approaches this common theme through a different lens. The gauzy vocals confess to a feeling of “sunshine lobotomies” and “ketamine”. Raffaella explains, “When you smile your brain is tricked into releasing chemicals related to positivity, even if it’s fake or forced. BUICK in this case, was me trying really hard to force a smile.”
It also serves as a bittersweet breakup anthem. The cathartic release that comes with breaking free from a relationship that you never wanted. As the track approaches the bridge, a tantalizing and familiar guitar, comparative to that of the single Blue Hoodie Baby by Brotherkenzie, appears. The acoustics drop to a simple drum and a hopeful strum of a guitar as Rafaella proclaims “I don’t really mind, If I hurt your feelings, feeling good’s expensive”. An impassioned line that reflects the spitefulness she never got to express in person. We are yet again thrown back into the euphoric chorus that reminds us of rose-colored glasses as the song comes to a close.
Raffaella isn’t afraid to explore the uncomfortable and to divulge personal experiences in her songs. The combination of her breezy voice and witty lyrics creates a formula for a perfectly catchy, indie-pop tune. One listen, and you feel as if you are a close friend off Raffaella’s, spilling secrets and granting advice over a bottle of wine. She has an intoxicating sound, leaving us all wanting more.
With months of waiting for the full EP we can only dream of what Raffaella has in store for us. However, I have faith that whatever follows BUICK (the strongest song in her discography in my opinion) will be just as delightful of a listen, if not better. BUICK is streaming now and Life, Raff, Love (Act I), the first installment of her debut album, releases August 12th.