Squirrel Flower, the musical project of Ella Williams, has just dropped two new singles, 'Not Me' and 'Sick Tooth', from her upcoming album, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going'. These tracks offer a glimpse into Williams' unique sound, blending gauzy Americana with bedroom indie vibes. But what makes these songs truly captivating is the way they showcase Williams' growth as an artist, both in terms of her songwriting and her ability to experiment with different sounds.
Personally, I think 'Not Me' is a standout track that really showcases Williams' growth. The song is a beautiful, bare-bones Americana number that is filled with heart and soul. It's clear that Williams has been listening to a lot of Linda Ronstadt, and that influence really shines through in the song's melody and arrangement. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Williams has managed to capture the essence of Ronstadt's sound while still infusing it with her own unique style. In my opinion, this is a testament to Williams' skill as a songwriter and her ability to draw inspiration from other artists while still staying true to herself.
On the other hand, 'Sick Tooth' is a more experimental track that showcases Williams' willingness to take risks and try new things. The song is a fuzzy, staticky bedroom indie tune that is only one minute and 45 seconds long, but it packs a punch. What makes this song interesting is the way it combines the raw energy of bedroom indie with the gauzy, dreamlike quality of Americana. This raises a deeper question: how can Williams continue to push the boundaries of her sound while still staying true to her artistic vision?
One thing that immediately stands out about these songs is the way they showcase Williams' versatility as an artist. She's able to switch between different genres and styles with ease, and that's a real testament to her skill. What many people don't realize is that this versatility is not just a result of Williams' natural talent, but also her willingness to experiment and take risks. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a really impressive achievement, and it's something that sets Williams apart from many other artists in her genre.
In terms of the album as a whole, 'Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going' is set to be a real treat for fans of Squirrel Flower. The LP was recorded in 2024 and 2025 with co-producers Seth Engel and Jack Henry, and then refined by Alex Farrar at his Drop of Sun studios in Asheville, North Carolina. The instrumentalists on the record include some of the best in the business, such as Dave Hartley (The War on Drugs), Seth Kauffman (Angel Olsen), and Dimitri Giannopoulos (Horse Jumper of Love). This raises a deeper question: how will the album sound in the hands of these talented musicians, and will it live up to the high expectations that fans have for Squirrel Flower?
Overall, the release of 'Not Me' and 'Sick Tooth' is a real treat for fans of Squirrel Flower, and it's a testament to Williams' growth as an artist. The songs showcase her versatility, her willingness to experiment, and her ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources. As for the album as a whole, it's sure to be a real highlight for fans of Americana and indie music alike. What this really suggests is that Squirrel Flower is on the cusp of something big, and I can't wait to see what they do next.