By CLTure
July 30, 2022
Wilmington-based songwriter and vocal powerhouse Rebekah Todd has released the lead single and title track for her forthcoming full-length album, Realign. Set for release on September 30, Realign was recorded at Sylvan Esso’s Betty’s Studio, mixed by Saman Khoujinian of Sleepy Cat Records and mastered by Chris Boerner (Hiss Golden Messenger, The Hot at Nights).
Paired with an affecting video, the title track “Realign” is an evocative song that marks bold new sonic territory for the songwriter. Todd’s last release came in 2017 with the moving roots/soul album Crooked Lines, but Realign trades the rustic foundations and whirling Wurlitzers for expansive pop structures, driving rhythms, and hypnotic synthesizers. Gone are the verse-chorus-verse arrangements of her previous endeavors, and instead we see a free-form exploration of grief and growth.
With accompaniment from stalwarts of the Triangle music scene like Alex Bingham, Joe Macphail, and Sleepy Cat Records’ Gabriel Anderson and Saman Khoujinian, Todd has a dynamic backing band to fill out these far-reaching tracks.
“I loved him/It hurts to say his name / I wanna fly away,” Todd painfully croons in the opening notes. Throughout the track the soundscape slowly unravels from a muted guitar and subdued vocals into swirling electronic flourishes, soaring vocals and passionate shouts.
“This song serves as an anthem for anyone trying to make their way back to their true selves,” according to the record’s press release, noting that “Realign” is an anthem “about starting over and rising from the ashes of it all with a new power and force.” Todd also nods to psychedelic therapy helping to fight with loss, addiction and heartache– ultimately bringing her back to this triumphant return to self.
“Realign” is a bold step forward for a songwriter whose roots are buried deep in folk foundations, but with Todd’s commanding vocal presence, earworm hooks, and engaging songwriting style, it’s clear that longtime fans will still have plenty to love from this revelatory record.
Watch the new music video for “Realign” from Rebekah Todd‘s forthcoming album set to be released on September 30.
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