It Takes Time Records have been steadily releasing great music for a while now, quietly developing a rather impressive back catalogue with the likes of Naps, Yikes and most recently Trust Fund. Weinstock and Co. had planned to take a break after that last release, though Squirrel Flower came along and changed all that with Contact Sports.
The recording project of Boston native-turned Grinnell student Ellä Williams, Squirrel Flower released its debut early winter songs from middle america back in 2015, an eight-song release of ambient-infused pastoral folk built around Williams’s rich voice. Her sophomore release, Contact Sports, sees a slight deviation toward a heavier sound, with Jesse Williams (bass), Lyle Brewer (guitar) and Marco Giovino (drums) adding a noisy depth that will please fans of Mitski.
The first single from the EP, ‘Not Your Prey’, explores how vulnerability and strength are not mutually exclusive, and how those made to feel fragile and insecure need not remain silent in uncomfortable situations. As such, the song plays like an anthem for long-overdue change, a rallying cry against misogyny and other types of discrimination and a reminder that no matter your gender, race or sexuality, you can and should belong in whatever space or situation you want.
“If you touch me I won’t be still
You’re no predator
I’m not your prey
I’m not your kill”
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Contact Sports is due for release this December on It Takes Time Records and you can pre-order it now from Bandcamp.