I'd never heard of her, but I dug the hell out of this if just for the immaculate production and the effortlessly catchy "bouncy flow" (as you called it) of the vocals. Like you I definitely got a 90s feel from this; that layered production mix of electronic with more folky elements reminds me a lot of the sound of Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, though there's definitely a more contemporary sound/style to this. Will definitely have to check her stuff out.
You're dive into the lyrics is interesting, especially since you noticed that idea of closeness is contrasted with the sparseness. I think a lot of it hinges on those two lines you pointed out: "Look how I forget who I was Before I was the way I am with you" To me there's A hint of toxicity in that and suggests that perhaps the narrator isn't fully being themselves. The song is putting this relationship on a pedestal like the narrator is putting the other person. The metaphorical journey of Icarus in this case isn't personal but relational. All of these contrasts and conflicting ideas suggest that the relationship is not in a state of harmony or actual togetherness, and the outro is, of course, the fall and breakdown of said relationship, or perhaps the honeymoon phase as you stated. Also I think it's possible to interpret the sparseness of the arrangement as a metaphorical void the narrator finds themselves in with their person of interest. But that doesn't necessarily tie in with the other ideas though it works as a complimentary reading. Great reaction once again!
I do like Caroline Polachek who is a talented singer and songwriter. However, like Elena Tonra, (Ex-Re and Daughter), who you reacted to some months ago. I find the quieter, (unplugged?), performance seems to draw one more subtly into the songs than the full on, amplified, approach of "Daughter" or electronica of "Chairlift", Caroline Polachek's previous band. To illustrate this I'd point you in the direction of "Daughter's" "Tiny Desk Concert", link below, where the fragility of Elena's songs is enhanced by the acoustic arrangement. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-s-OoG1aGYO0.html For Caroline Polachek, her Live appearance on KEXP Seattle is all the more immersive, IMO, just with the acoustic piano. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HUc9rBacmd4.html
Most of my works are commissioned background pieces that have probably ended up in some slideshow or powerpoint given what was asked of me. You can find some of the music I've made for myself at youtube.com/@criticalcompositions
This one had felt like one of the least interesting songs on her new album for me, but after seeing your reaction I realized there’s a lot more to it than I thought! Really enjoyed this video
