‘Favor’ is underscored by a 90s-sounding, grunge guitar chord progression and a steady but punchy drum beat, which give the track an incredibly nostalgic sound that is reminiscent of bands akin to The Cranberries or Mazzy Star. This provides a simple yet compelling foundation for Pisgah’s gorgeous vocals to spiral effortlessly above the instruments with subtle embellishments - her voice is unique and identifiable, whilst also humble and understated. Yet this soft, dreamy sound is deceptive, undercut by heartbreaking lyrics of uncertainty. It is this light tone that makes the lyrics all the more devastating.
Described as “about trying way too hard to please other people and failing miserably when you do”, Jenkins deliberately draws on “symbols of man-made catastrophe” to represent the emotional catastrophe of unsuccessfully trying to please everyone but yourself and ultimately failing and falling out with someone. Lyrics such as“convinced me that I was always in need of improvement” highlight the brutal impact of another person’s opinions in provoking an inward spiral of emotion and self-doubt, in which “there’s no one there to catch my fall”.
This retrospective doubt is epitomised in the repeated line, “you were never mine to wager” - the singer seems bitter and frustrated about the fact that someone who was never even hers occupied so much of her attention and effort. Pisgah here sees a relationship through a transactional lens, highlighting the emotional risk that is involved in “wagering” on someone. Yet the track also provokes a feeling of accepting that you are “falling out of favour” and ultimately embracing the fact that it is impossible to please everyone and be unconditionally in favour. This is certainly a song for the people-pleasers.
Pisgah builds layers of emotional frustration smoothly, peaking in a stunning bridge where she sings in response to herself and a hard-hitting guitar solo which nevertheless remains understated and delicate, fading into the song’s ending with Pisgah repeating “falling out of favour” melodically until the final stinging strike of the guitar, which seems to reverberate and linger on long after the track has ended. There is truly a sense of “falling” throughout, echoed in the way the melody ascends upward just to come straight back down, descending in pitch with each repetition.
Alongside her other recent single ‘Cumulonimbus’, and her back catalogue including the album ‘Call Louder for Me When You Call’, ‘Favor’ displays Pisgah’s music as a mosaic of influences ranging from grunge alternative rock to country, as well as establishes her as a talented, introspective songwriter who is definitely worth keeping an ear out for.
Emily Sanderson
Image: ‘Favor’ Official Single Cover
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