Dublin singer-songwriter Dubh Lee is quickly carving out a distinctive niche in the indie music landscape, and her latest offering, ‘My Poor Boy’, showcases an artistry that belies her years. This single, released on early last month, serves as a captivating introduction to her upcoming EP, ‘FUFO’, hinting at a darker, more experimental sonic journey than some her previous work.
Written in 2023 following a disappointing date, ‘My Poor Boy’ was born on a taxi ride through Dublin, with lyrical fragments inspired by the city's streets. Inspired by a desire to capture the profound yearning found in Marvin Gaye's work, the song pulls its initial melodic and chord inspiration from ‘Heard It Through the Grapevine’. This soul influence, when blended with Dubh Lee's characteristic Travis-picking and folk leanings, culminates in a beautiful, but lonesome soundscape that will sit with you for days.
Musically, the track is a compelling blend of vintage and contemporary elements. A striking Western-laced, electric guitar motif, reminiscent of classic spaghetti Westerns emerges after each chorus, born spontaneously in the studio. This motif, along with the subtle, dusty percussion of shaker and tambourine, guides the song into a desert-like atmosphere, further enhanced by the addition of trombone lines from Oran O'Neill. Co-producer and studio engineer John Leader's contributions are also pivotal, with his baseball-game-esque organ line, bass performance, and the beautifully woven string arrangement that gracefully enters from the second verse.
Built on her love of a short song, the brevity in ‘My Poor Boy’ adds to its impact, with fleeting moments demands repeated listens. Dubh Lee’s vocal delivery is remarkable, possessing a "weathered angelic tone" where the power lies in subtle inflections as much as range. The song feels more like a captivating narrative than a single, drawing listeners into the artist's personal journey.
Available now, ‘My Poor Boy’ offers a tantalising glimpse into ‘FUFO’, promising a darker fusion of folk, rock, and psychedelic elements. For more from Dubh Lee on the road to ‘FUFO’, be sure to connect on Facebook and Instagram.
