A dynamic, emotional anthem of distance and disconnect, Sydney Sprague’s “object permanence” is an impassioned overhaul of intimate feeling and indie rock charm.
for fans of Avril Lavigne, JJ Wilde, Phoebe Bridgers, Leah Capelle, Hayley Williams
follow our Today’s Song(s) playlist
Stream: “Object Permanence” – Sydney Sprague, Danielle Durack
Sydney Sprague’s fire is only just beginning, and she’s already revving to burn the house down. Since debuting with last October’s “i refuse to die,” the Phoenix-based singer/songwriter has found herself on a one-way collision course upward: Where she finally rests, only time will tell – but her thrilling ascent isn’t stopping any time soon. Sprague’s latest release is an impassioned overhaul of intimate emotion and indie rock charm: Dynamic and finessed, “object permanence” offers a new anthem for those struggling with long distance, isolation, and separation from their loved ones.
I get lonely but I, I get used to it I
I get bored and I start some fires outside
I’m forgetful but it’s not a problem but if
You’re gone too long I will forget if
This is real I’m not positive
I can’t see it, is it obvious
Is object permanence real?
Released January 15, “object permanence” is the latest in a string of enthralling singles taken off Sydney Sprague’s forthcoming debut album maybe i will see you at the end of the world, out February 26 via Milan-based indie label Rude Records. Billed as a “punk rock Kacey Musgraves,” 28-year-old Phoenix, Arizona resident Sydney Sprague has wasted no time in getting her music out this winter. 2020’s “i refuse to die,” “steve,” and “staircase failure” each showcase another side of Sprague’s ruthless, evocative, and lyrically up-front artistry: Big electric guitars and an even bigger voice lend Sprague an irrefutable spotlight that calls to mind a litany of rock and pop punk influences – from Hayley Williams to Avril Lavigne, and beyond.
A duet with fellow Phoenix singer/songwriter Danielle Durack, “object permanence” makes a run for Sprague’s catchiest song yet (although we still haven’t gotten “i refuse to die” out of our heads). A tight pop structure and driving kick-snare combination give the song an irresistibly intense allure. Throbbing bass and shimmering guitars make for a stunning soundscape that bolsters Sprague’s voice; together with Durack’s compelling harmonies, she lights up the airwaves with an emotive upheaval, questioning the validity not only of a long-distance relationship, but of a connection she once so dearly and deeply believed in.
When I think of you I, I get angry when I
I see couples in love, I hope they die
I don’t really, I’m not the violent
I just need someone around to hold me
Are you there
No, you’re too far away
I can’t feel it
Is it still the same
Is object permanence real
“object permanence” feels all the more powerful in early 2021, when many listeners find themselves estranged from loved ones and still unable to spend quality time together, in person. Without that physicality, perhaps we too have wondered: How strong are our bonds? Can we overcome the distance, and outlast the pandemic?
It’s a question that’s certainly haunted Sprague for quite some time; she’s still searching for answers.
“Object Permanence is defined as, “the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed,'” the artist tells Atwood Magazine. “It is a fundamental concept in the development of infants, and sometimes I feel like I struggle with it as an adult. Not literally, but if you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship, you can probably relate. This song is about settling into that feeling of separation and trying to get comfortable.”
Isolation, separation, disconnect: These words were never meant to hit so close to home, yet throughout 2020 and now 2021, they have come to define our lives.
Sprague sings about this state of being, her words eliciting warmth despite an ever-present cold. “object permanence” doesn’t dwell in the void; it soars in spite of it. Sprague drives it home with an unapologetic explosion of seamless sonics that blur the lines between indie rock and dark pop (think HAIM meets Hinds). The result is as a song we can’t help but blast on repeat: An outpouring of heavy anticipation and long-awaited release that hits all the right marks.
It’s just a matter of timing, oh
And never deciding oh,
And screaming and crying
And I just thought I would know by now
I just thought I would know
Is it real? I’m not positive
I can’t see it, is it obvious
Is object permanence real
I get lonely but I, I get used to it I
I get bored and I start some fires outside
I’m forgetful but it’s not a problem but if
You’re gone too long I will forget if
Sure, the ’90s are over – but we’re still rocking, and now we’ve got a brand new soundtrack to throw ourselves into.
maybe i will see you at the end of the world is out February 26 via Rude Records.
— —
:: stream/purchase “Object Permanence” here ::
“Object Permanence” – Sydney Sprague, Danielle Durack
— — — —
Connect to Sydney Sprague on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
? © 2021
:: Today’s Song(s) ::
follow our daily playlist on Spotify
:: Stream Sydney Sprague ::
