The image of a lone person appearing small and insignificant against the vastness of the universe isn’t new, but Allison uses it to great effect in this song by subverting it. In the track’s opening lyrics, she explains that she takes comfort in the unknowable expanse of the night sky: “I’m looking for a sign / I’m not alone tonight.”
Later, she asks, “Rings of Saturn / Do you hear me when I cry?”, pleading with this great celestial object to sympathise with her real-world sorrows and anxieties. The opening verse sees Allison sing over lush acoustic guitar and soothing, grounding bass. The music mirrors the lyrics: while Allison is looking up at the stars, her feet remain firmly planted on Earth.
Distorted, fuzzy electric guitar joins the arrangement in the first chorus, giving the track momentum and drive. Allison is known for writing deeply personal songs, and ‘Rings of Saturn’ is no exception. “I feel like I’m losing,” she repeats in the chorus, and the lyric’s simplicity belies an emotional turmoil that she can’t put into words. It’s a testament to Allison’s songwriting that her desperation comes through clearly in this single line. She doesn’t need to give a melodramatic, overly expressive vocal performance to get her point across. In fact, she shows restraint in her vocals, shifting the focus instead to her brilliantly evocative music and lyrics.
Soccer Mommy’s bespoke brand of bedroom pop-infused indie rock is well-established by now, but ‘Rings of Saturn’ proves she can still reach new heights of transformative lyrical imagery and vibrant rock arrangements.
Mia Tobin Power
Image: ‘Rings of Saturn’ Official Single Cover