Understated in its instrumentation and vocals, lyrically blunt, direct, and raw, “Prisms” may be the most perfect song about heartbreak released so far this year. It’s just devastatingly beautiful.
“But I don’t understand how you just see what is white / instead of really what is a prism of light”
I’m generally of the opinion that the line between songwriting and poetry is a fine one to begin with, but there is little doubt that Alanna McArdle has mastered the combination. Going past what could be considered the typical break-up song, she explores the particularly painful kind of rejection of being given up on prematurely. She delicately walks a line made up of genuine sadness, a bit of self-pity, and sardonic incredulity. The sound is a simple one, leaving plenty of room for the vocals to stand out on their own.
McArdle, the voice behind Ides, describes her sound as “sadcore punk.” You may be pressed to hear any obvious punk influence (besides in the beautiful simplicity of the lyrics) but sadcore is exactly right. If you need a song to accompany a dreary autumn day, this is it.