At first listen, it may seem that the music and lyrics of “Skyscraper” don’t necessarily fit together. It’s a dreamette style of pop paired with lyrics that are more than a little bit heartbreaking — a contradiction which is dissociating yet palatable all the same.

My favorite part about Elephant is their homage to the days of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll with somewhat of an ethereal spin. Though this particular quality also risks creating a sound that is all too comfortable, the poetic lyrics save it from such a fate, artfully capturing the crumble stage of all ill-fated relationships.

Skyscrapers save us when we scrape the skies
Running high oh yes stand
Watch us when we scrape the skies
Don’t let me fall now

The group’s first single, with B-side “Spies,” is out now. Check it out for more throwback goodness. 

About The Author

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Rebecca Edwards is a displaced Southerner trying to navigate the icy tundra of Midwestern winters. So far she has successfully made it out alive. When not watching Law and Order or eating cereal, Rebecca spends the majority of her time writing and finishing up her gender studies major at the University of Chicago.