Cheery is the new project of Katlyn Conroy, who has brought their unique “gloomy art pop” sound to Liverpool all the way from Kansas, USA.
Released on 19 July, their brand-new song True Lover follows a string of single releases over the past two years under the alias, with tracks Concept of Love and Vulture. It’s not their first rodeo, however. Through previous projects La Guerre and Cowboy Indian Bear, Conroy has built up twenty years of experience in live performances, which have seen her play alongside the likes of Daniel Johnston, Florence and the Machine and Tennis, and release a number of solo records and projects.
However, upcoming project BLISS will be the debut record under the Cheery alias, due to be released over the next ten months via Spirit House Records, with a new single and music video coming out each month.
Cheery – True Lover Official Video
Sonically, True Lover is reminiscent of the likes of artists such as Angel Olsen, Perfume Genius or Japanese Breakfast, with an emotive vocal performance perhaps reminiscent of Caroline Polachek. Cheery sheds light on the meaning behind True Lover, explaining that the song “acts as a warning” to those who believe that “you get infinite chances at happiness”; “to appreciate what you have and to recognise true love”. Written amid an abusive relationship, Cheery also intends the song to warn “those experiencing violence in their relationships to retreat as opposed to building up a tolerance”.
Produced by Eric Davis (Hembree), the track makes use of interesting production choices throughout – from the pulsating arpeggiator bass and eighties chord stabs to the hypnotic, mellotron-like synth and sporadic swells of white noise layered into the mix – before the track winds down abruptly with a distorted record ‘spin down’ effect. Cheery explains that the choppy instrumental is made to represent “the feelings of being tied down and pushing and pulling your way out”.
True Lover is a sonically adventurous and truly captivating listen from Cheery. We’ll be tuned in to see what’s coming next as she prepares for the release of new album BLISS.
Stream Cheery’s True Lover now.
Follow Cheery on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Read our interview with Cheery here.
Jude Bankier
