“big fat mouth” & “crashing down” acoustics
This review can be found at The ANTI Magazine.
Let Arlie Break Your Heart with Acoustic Re-Releases
Indie Artist Arlie Shows a Vulnerable Side with Stripped Back Releases
Nashville-based band Arlie has released acoustic versions of their two biggest hits, “big fat mouth - acoustic” and “crashing down - acoustic.” Arlie, lead by frontman Nathaniel Banks, dropped the remastered tracks on December 9, 2022. Together, the tracks take the listener on a journey through an ending relationship. In “big fat mouth,” he apologizes , but in “crashing down,” it’s become clear that the relationship comes to an end. The indie/pop nature of Arlie’s work translates beautifully to acoustic.
The psychedelic pop track “big fat mouth” originally debuted on Arlie’s 2018 EP WAIT, but it’s been stripped back for this acoustic rendition. Banks starts the track with a mallet percussion (possibly a xylophone) and a clapping beat, setting a bright tone. The mallet’s melody follows along with vocal “ahhs,” climbing and falling along the scale. Plucky guitar chords bring in the verse, keeping up with the playful nature of the intro. The lyrics begin with some dreamy reverb, but all of the fun and positive intonation proves to be deceptive - this is an apology song. Banks explains that he’s said something wrong, and his love has left. He croons that he should have just shut his “big fat mouth,” instead of trying to make a joke. Once the message sinks in, the simple, pizzicato guitar and the spirited mallets bring visions of rain. Although still dreamy and ethereal, the instrumentation feels more earnest and honest than playful. “big fat mouth - acoustic” highlights the flexibility of Banks’ vocals and his skill for arrangements.
Similarly to “big fat mouth,” “crashing down” was originally included in a different Arlie release. Featured on the 2022 album BREAK THE CURSE, “crashing down” has been remastered for this acoustic release. Arlie brings a darker intonation with “crashing down - acoustic.” The guitar lines are melodic, while the vocal harmonies add a colorful tension. Instead of blending all of the music lines together, they’re layered - all maintaining their individual qualities. It paints an interesting picture, with multiple themes fitting like a puzzle. Lyrically, Banks dreams of his love, but knows he has to wake up and accept that the relationship has ended. Unlike the bright and fun tones in “big fat mouth - acoustic,” vulnerability and bittersweet emotions pour through in “crashing down - acoustic.”
This release follows the band’s debut album, and comes along with the 2023 tour. The tour runs from February to May, including shows at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom, LA’s Teragram Ballroom and Atlanta’s Shaky Knees Festival, so take a look at tickets here.
