Boston, Massachusetts indie-pop band shallow pools wasted no time reflecting and creating this past year. Their newest single “Ice Water,” released on January 15, 2021 on ESI Records, addresses the topics of the pandemic and mental health. “Ice Water” will have you hooked by the very first note as lead vocalist Glynnis Brennan sings, “Been going nowhere as the nights turn into days // moving slowly I, I’m caught up in a haze.”
shallow pools have always been a band to encourage inclusivity among their listeners. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, shallow pools aim to create a safe environment for those to comfortably and uniquely express themselves. This message echoes in “Ice Water”.
They say, “The song is about the impact that the state of the world has had on our mental health, specifically in the last year. We’re excited to share it and hope that anyone who has had similar experiences will find some comfort in knowing that there are others who can relate.”
Even though these words may have been written a year ago, they are still true. “Ice Water” is both a refreshing and comforting song lyrically, instrumentally, and visually. It’s honest but fun.
The visuals command attention. The music video for “Ice Water” tells the story of struggling to move forward in day to day life in isolation.
These visuals only add to this feel good song with an infectious upbeat sound. With repetitive scenes of waking up, brushing teeth, getting breakfast, and more, shallow pools have found an all too relatable way to visually tell the story of quarantine.
Brennan sings, “Every day’s the same and there’s no breaking out // Like I’m stuck here going through the motions now.”
Watch the official music video here (seriously, watch it):
Following the release of past fan favorites like “Haunted” and “Turnaround”, shallow pools says that “Ice Water” is, “a departure from the music we’ve made in the past, but it’s the perfect bridge between our old and new sound.”
For fans of Dua Lipa, Fickle Friends, Lights, HAIM, The Aces, and more “Ice Water” is a feel good, honest, makes you want to dance, post-pandemic empowerment, comfort song. It’s the best way to start the year.
