New Brunswick trio Pallmer rounds off a significant year with their latest release, a video single titled “Swimming,” following an extensive eight-province cross-country tour. The song serves as a poignant reflection on burnout, escapism, and the struggle to acknowledge one’s own limitations.
Lead singer and cellist, Emily Kennedy, shares that “Swimming” was born from the depths of February, a time when she grappled with severe burnout. The lyrics vividly capture the complexity of emotions during such times, with Kennedy expressing a desire to escape and romanticizing memories of lighter moments. The song becomes a lyrical dance between denial and acceptance, as Kennedy sings, “Saying I’m sad sounds too simple / A candid statement that takes up room.”
The thematic core of “Swimming” revolves around the push and pull between planning for the future and accepting the present. Kennedy’s metaphorical use of swimming, both as a physical release and a representation of navigating through time, adds depth to the narrative. The lyrics convey a struggle to come to terms with personal challenges while finding solace in the act of swimming.
The single is a precursor to Pallmer’s debut LP, also titled “Swimming,” set for release in February 2024. Recorded with JUNO Award-winning producer Joshua Van Tassel in Nova Scotia, the album comprises nine songs intricately woven together by the metaphor of nature reflecting everyday lived experiences.
Accompanying the soulful track is a visually captivating video, shot by Kennedy in Reykjavik, Iceland, during a stormy day with winds reaching 80km/h. This visual element complements the emotional depth of the song, offering a striking and atmospheric backdrop.
Pallmer, a tender chamber pop project based in Fredericton, NB, employs a unique blend of cello, viola, loopers, and synthesizers to create lush string-based pop songs. The slow and steady approach to music release has allowed them to craft a thoughtful and immersive debut album.