Carli Brill’s New Track Is A Musical “Kaleidoscope”

On March 11th, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Carli Brill released her new track, “Kaleidoscope.” Marrying “Bossa Nova beats with poetic lyrics,” “Kaleidoscope” is one of the strongest “retro-sounding” tracks I’ve experienced in quite some time. The bossa nova groove in the guitar mixed with Brill’s incredibly sweet and smooth vocals is just flawless, and the vocal melody on this track is hauntingly beautiful. Not only that, but the harmonies on the chorus are incredible. There are only positive things to say here, so strap in. It’s gonna be fun.

Starting with just the acoustic guitar is a bold choice because it’s very easy to lose a listener if the track’s pacing feels off. Carli Brill, however, moves the song along quickly, introducing new elements every musical phrase. The vocals come in after one phrase. The bass line is teased on the third phrase. There’s just no dead space here. Even the silent moments to build tension before the choruses are mesmerizing.

Which is another thing: the production on this track is beautiful. Not just from an instrumental point. The mixing and the final master of this song are absolutely gorgeous. Everything is spread out evenly. Nothing is too far forward or too far back in the mix, and there are moments in here that make it feel like a listener is hearing through a kaleidoscope. What does that mean? You’ll just have to listen to find out for yourself.

Lyrically, there are only strong moments. The concept, as Carli Brill puts it, is that “The kaleidoscope represents how we as humans are continually changing, moving, morphing yet always possess that essential piece to who we are – even if it’s yet to be discovered.” The final chorus explicitly says that “I’ve been chasing an identity that’s always been a part of me.” The metaphorical kaleidoscope is just incredible.

I could go on forever and pick this apart on every individual second as to why I love it, but just listen to it for yourself below. “Kaleidoscope” is a phenomenal song from a phenomenal artist. As always, let us know what you think, but be sure to give Carli Brill some love as well. She deserves it.

Andrew Gardner Editor

Obsessed with all things music. Finished that MFA, so now I’m apparently a master of this. Bouncing around state borders, going wherever. If you see me at a show, say hey!