R E L pantomimes self-discovery on her first track of the new year with the release of “Intuition.” The project through which Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Arielle Sitrick creates what she calls “EVOCAPOP” — her utterly hypnotic and emotionally ravishing niche of pop. With influences that range from the avant-garde like The Beatles and David Bowie to more contemporary pioneers like Sia and Caroline Polachek, the music of R E L is spellbinding in every way.
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“Intuition” opens on a bittersweet inner monologue as R E L confronts the aching pain her body seems to quake with. “Knowing yourself is such a powerful thing / It’s a dull sort of pain that makes you feel alive,” her dulcet honesty resounding alongside wailing echoes. “And culpable for your own health / It makes it doing it anyway but the best way almost unbearable.”
It’s at this point that the song’s spacious atmospherics are flooded with a swell of glossy and shimmering instrumentals. Suddenly, R E L’s crystalline voice cuts through the gloom like a beam of sunlight. Her words echo the track’s soaring chorus as she finds the strength to persevere via a critical change in perspective.
“Intuition” also comes with a music video directed by Paige Strabala, who brought to life R E L’s vision of the song as a tragicomic expression of personal growth. To that end, the artist takes on the persona of a pierrot, blue tears streaming down her painted face as she mimes to the tune of its poignant but ultimately triumphant melody. By the end of the video she has emerged from beneath the facade of her former self — revitalized and reborn in the process — a vision of the revelatory power that comes with opening ourselves up to the world.
R E L shared via Instagram: “She’s a journey of a song and it took me a journey to write her. I hope she moves you like she moves me, and makes you feel just a little more naturally magical. I’m excited to share some more making-of moments, the story behind the song and the music video (!!) over the next several days and weeks. Go put my record on (via your favorite streaming service), tell me your favorite part, go ahead let your hair down and shake it all off – everything that isn’t you. You are magic, pure magic. Here’s a little reminder, sometimes the pain is a teacher, helping you find yourself a little deeper.”
Words: Steven Ward
Visit R E L on her Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Watch the music video for “Intuition” the new single from R E L below!
