“Save Me”
Rock/alt artist Lucy Mayhem has been releasing music steadily over the past three years. Coming up on the one-year anniversary of her single “Save Me,” the North Carolina native feels that this track remains as relevant as it was when she released it. Mayhem uses deep synths, gripping guitar, and vulnerable vocals to tell stories of her internal turmoil. “Save Me” explores feelings of being trapped and wanting to find yourself again over the layered textures of drums, guitar, and synth.
From the first moment, the lead guitar shines as the primary instrumental voice. Only slightly distorted, it ticks by evenly, smooth quarter notes setting the tempo before drums join in. A deep synth creates builds the bass foundation - foggy and dramatic. Mayhem’s vocal line simmers in, laying gently above the guitar melody. She keeps her tone soft and gentle, detailing the darkness she holds inside. For the first thirty seconds, Mayhem keeps the track stripped back and minimal, conveying how lost and abandoned she feels. Only once the chorus kicks in does Mayhem start to take action.
Finally joined by the drums, Mayhem pleads for salvation. She’s trapped in her own mind, in her current state of reality. Mayhem knows that she’s capable of much more, if she can just return to her old self. However, the bass drum keeps marching forward, pushing her along as if there is no turning back. She keeps a slight gravel and dark timbre in the overall color of the track, but never gets overly aggressive. Instead, a wistful awareness threads it together, as Mayhem learns what it means to return to herself. The energy increases through the bridge, and Mayhem repeats, almost under her breath, that she’s running towards the fire. She burns away any metaphysical webs and strings holding her back, breaking through to return to the chorus. The track fades out similarly to how it began, with a clean guitar solo ticking by, reminding us all that time pushes ahead no matter what.
Mayhem has released other singles, “Into Hell,” this January, and “Fear” in June, that bring the drama and complement “Save Me.” She is gearing up for her upcoming EP, Into Hell, which will debut on August 9. Make sure to give her a follow and mark your calendars for this release!
