[MP3] new Okkervil River: “Mermaid”

The vocals of Will Sheff, lead singer of Okkervil River, are an instrument all their own. A dusty combination of an inviting folk dialect and velutinous lyricism, Sheff has the appeal of a seasoned storyteller stationed in a squeaking rocking chair next to a smoldering fireplace. Except Sheff doesn’t need rustic imagery to create such an authentic aura, he simply needs a microphone, guitar, and piano to hold your attention. Okkervil River is certainly entertaining but their latest single “Mermaid” transcends a melodic, head-bopping tune – it’s an epic build ready to take your breath away:

[MP3] Okkervil River – Mermaid

Might as well toss all of your childhood images of The Little Mermaid out the window, yes, even you curious little kid trying to sneak a peek at Ariel when she was turned into a naked human. The only similarities between the two, aside from the whole having a fin thing, is the romantic seafaring story Sheff sings. The song starts from bare-bones vocals and builds, crescendoing like a whitecap on a wave with soaring strings, organ, and driving percussion. This is the definition of a sea-inspired ballad, sounding more authentic than many of the tracks penned on an actual sailboat by sea-happy couple Tennis.