Track of the Day: Etaoin - 'Pale Damp Cheeks'

London-based, Irish-raised artist Etaoin has shared her second single in the form of tearjerker track 'Pale Damp Cheeks' via MADE Records.

Hot Press Track of the Day 'Pale Damp Cheeks’ showcases Etaoin’s intricate finger-picking guitar and belting vocal melody.

Arriving after her 2021 debut ‘Bedroom Walls’, Etaoin is steadily building up streaming figures and an army of new fans eager to hear her next move.

Her powerfully frank lyrics and earthbound instrumentals strike a chord with many listeners, with a matured vocal sound unlike any in her age group. The catchy melody and Etaoin's intoxicating voice soar over a carefully delicate musical backdrop. Reminiscent of brutally honest tracks like Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License', Etaoin's rising status is presumably partially as a result of her lyrical directness.
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"It was winter time, a few days after a boy told me 'I like you, but I like her more than you.' And I just sat there feeling so angry at the whole situation," Etaoin explains about ‘Pale Damp Cheeks’.

"The heating had gone in my house, all the lights were out. There was no one home and I was sitting with my back against the radiator.”

The Tracy Chapman-inspired tune paints the picture of immense loneliness and longing for healing, with vivid emotional imagery pulling the listener in.

"This song is about wanting to run away from the pride and the anger. I wondered if it was normal to feel so messed up about something. Trying to convince yourself that you are fine and you don’t care, then taking the bandage off and immediately realising: I wasn‘t ready, it‘s not healed."

Growing up between London and Ireland, Etaoin’s parents’ household was typically Irish. She was being entered into Irish music competitions from the age of 6, winning the adult categories by the age of 10 – these include singing, songwriting and flute. She then became obsessed with pop songs on the radio which have inspired and opened the door to who she is as an artist today. Etaoin's undeniable knack for the perfect pop melody, coupled with her unique vocals, are informed by her idiosyncratic musical history.

The only way is up for Etaoin, who will release her much-anticipated debut EP later this year. In an era where vulnerability and honest is heavily rewarded, especially by younger fans online, Etaoin's ability to crack open her headspace for her music and allow others in will no doubt get her far.

Check out 'Pale Damp Cheeks' below: