soccer mommy reflects on mental health, being blue with new single 'circle the drain'
By Amy Tang
Noted for her impressive songwriting and atmospheric melodies on the guitar, Sophie Allison is ready to open up her heart to listeners once again. The Nashville-born singer, going by stage name Soccer Mommy, teases the upcoming release of her sophomore album, color theory, expected to drop on February 28th, with her latest single “circle the drain.” Following the previous two singles, “lucy” and “yellow is the color of her eyes,” the new track has quickly made its way to being a fan favorite.
“circle the drain” transports listeners to a dream-like haze, reminiscent of the late 90s rock sound. Its raw acoustics, distorted guitar solos, and soft mellow tones are consistent throughout the song, almost serving as distractions to the cynical truth in her lyrics. “It’s a feeling that boils in my brain / I would dial back the flame / But I’m not sure I’m able,” Allison sings, wistfully wishing for things to be different but acknowledging that sometimes, that’s not always the case with depression. She paints the emotional and physical toll mental illness can have on a person’s well-being: “‘Cause I cling to the dark of my room / And the days thin me out / Or burn me straight through.” Then, taking on the chorus, Allison strips down the dramatics and simply admits: “Hey I’ve been falling apart these days.” It’s honest and it’s real.
The track as a whole is highly listenable and relatable. By drawing from personal experiences, Allison continues to deliver instant hits, like “circle the drain,” that not only connect her to her audience but also expand on her talents as a singer-songwriter. This song, however, is only a shy piece of what’s expected to come on concept album color theory. So, for the time being, Soccer Mommy’s “circle the drain” will be kept on repeat.