Girl In The Mirror by Louise Distras
This is a review of the new Louise Distras single a precursor to her new album "Beauty After Bruises" to be released on 28th April
This is the second single from the forthcoming second album "Beauty after Bruises" from Louise Distras which will be released on 28th April. Check out her website below.
A little more about the single from the press release by Lucy Jordan:
Girl in the Mirror was recorded at 25th Street Studios in Oakland, California with producer Ross Peterson (Bruce Springsteen, Elle King) and mixed by Stephen Street (The Cranberries, Blur, The Smiths) at Damon Albarn’s Studio 13 in West London. Guest musicians include Mick Talbot (The Style Council/Dexy’s Midnight Runners) on keys, and Puscifer drummer Gunnar Olsen on Drums.
Though often referred to as a punk artist, or a protest singer, Louise says she’s much more than that. "I've just always tried to write good songs that come straight from the heart, and songs that I want to hear,” she explains. “I was brought up on groups like the Bee Gees, Queen, ABBA and ELO. The thing I love the most about pop music is that there's no stage big enough for it. So it doesn't matter where I sing these songs, or even who hears me, as long as the people are welcome. From the start that's always been my philosophy".
"Girl In The Mirror" by Louise Distras
I always think I know what to expect from Louise, but I suppose I should just expect the unexpected and this song definitely falls into that category.
Dealing with insecurity and containing some amazing imagery Louise comes out fighting to help those that need it, in here.
It starts with a dark sparse guitar line before stating truthfully:
"Your pain is never beautiful
Scarlet blade says you want more
Reflections of the chains oh
Reflections of the pain"
as she launches into the song proper. The first verse is slightly edgy but this does not prepare you for the absolutely gorgeous chorus, I am trying to think of if she has done anything more impressive than this, and anyone who hears this is going to be hooked on her music.
"Hey you're the girl in the mirror
Hey you're the girl in the mirror"
Since I got my copy I have had it on repeat, and it definitely lifts your spirits although it reminds you that the realities of life are still there to challenge you, but you can rise above everything that it throws at you.
It does address the way we all often hide our pain to present a smiling face to our friends and the general outside world.
"She throws her head back with laughter
To hide the secrets in her soul
Her tears show a fragile darkness
That tells a story best untold
The mirror shows what you've become
Reflections wanna be free oh
Reflections wanna be loved"
The song continues on to a salvatory finale, which we should all strive towards. Always look out for yourself. Your health and well-being should always come first.
"Why keep living life this way?
No more silent screams
Goodbye shattered dreams
Hey you're the girl in the mirror
Hey you're the girl who wants to be loved
Hey you're the girl in the mirror
Hey no more girl in the mirror"
I love the construction of this song balancing the darkness of the verses with the gorgeous hope of the choruses, and as a single, it does bear lots of repeated playing. It has been on my player all week and I can't wait to hear it in place with the new songs on "Beauty after Bruises".
This and "Black Skies" bode very well for the forthcoming album "Beauty after Bruises" when it is released.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Comments (2)
I really enjoyed this song! Thank you for always helping to expand my musical experiences. I liked how you broke down some of the lyrics and offered your take on them. Nicely written!
Well written Mike. There's a bit of a jangle in the opening guitar and throughout. Reminds me a bit of a Bangles guitar riff. This song is decidedly a pop ballad with a bit of an edge. I could see this on both the Country Music charts and the AAA charts. Nice song great lead vocals.