Lilting. I kind of hate that word, but it still finds a way to wedge itself into my psyche (and reviews) from time to time. Its overused and its usage isn’t utilized to great effect. Floating? Ethereal. Effervescent. Perhaps are better words. Swimming even. And I find myself fully immersed in the listening experience of Merival’s latest single, “I With Mine”.

The songs lyrics flowing out like a conversation or argument, both able to be construed as an outward, multi-human interaction or an internal struggle. Pensive reflection. But always fairly questioning who is to blame for the inevitable downfall of a relationship, perhaps, never meant to be, but influential nonetheless.

do I lie to myself like you lied to me? 
we always required some suspension of disbelief 
I thought I’d healed, thought I’d left you 
you with your sicknesses and I 
I with mine 

Merival‘s “I With Mine” elicit all of those feelings. There is a cavernous vibe to the music that reverberates behind her words and voice. An absolutely beautiful voice at that. I feel completely lost in a dream listening to her sing and spin this story in front of me. But it’s not sleepy in that manner. There is a definitive energy and forceful power in her delivery til the last note fades out.

Perhaps that is the precise point of the song as she tells us, “For months on end, I had weekly intense dreams about someone I had dated 6-7 years prior, someone who played a very formative role in my life. It began to feel like a funny loop I had created for myself – this magnetism to somebody who had hurt me very badly but who had nothing to do with my current life. I feared I might have to deal with these thoughts for years to come. I felt powerless. If that person had called me up and asked to see me during that period, I don’t think I would have been able to say no.”