NFV Song Spotlight: March Adstrum's Relics from Phantoms

March Adstrum recently played the Harvard & Stone stage. I came across her in 2023 at The Smell. She started to play in other bands that I enjoy such as Magnolia and Valley Porno People. She's also in a band called Optometry that I've yet to see.  

March Adstrum at Harvard & Stone

What can I say about Adstrum. First, she has good taste in music, playing in the most excellent Los Angeles bands. Second, she is a genre defying musician. March Adstrum on her own has an electric sound that mixes in elements of jazz and artsy pop. Magnolia is as punk as you can get. Valley Porno People has a post-punk feel. 

March Adstrum at Harvard & Stone

She recently released the EP Relics from Phantoms this year. A beautifully crafted EP that leaves you wanting that full record. I personally have to say my favorite from the 6 songs is the title track -- though I've got to say that "Secret Hero" is also in a virtual tie, but this post is about focusing in on one song. 

March Adstrum at Harvard & Stone

To me, this song is about two people who were previously very good friends. They were even in a band together. Looking through a box of memories, we have this from the first verse:

Rings and a clay heart from the past
Postcards, Letters
Fingerprints on the lenses of my plastic glasses 

In the second verse, we have this: 

From some band that's dead and gone

An undefined change in the relationship occurred that caused the two to drift apart. The chorus has the hurt filled singing of "Two Strangers" in repetition.

March Adstrum (backing band) at Harvard &Stone

The lyrics are sung with plaintive feelings, emphasized by the music that is wistful with a slow beat. Often, I'll hear a musician say that we shouldn't confused the upbeat nature of a song with the painful memories in the lyrics. In "Relics from Phantoms," March Adstrum isn't hiding her feelings.