Clare Perrott’s “Philadelphia” is one of those rare debut singles that walks into the room like it’s been here the whole time.
First off: the voice. Clare’s vocals on this thing are soft but cut deep, like a silk handkerchief soaked in regret. There’s this slightly twangy, almost conversational tone to her delivery that makes the whole thing feel lived in.
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Now, the arrangement. On paper it’s simple — nylon-string guitar, minimal layers, no tricks. But that’s where it gets sneaky. The production keeps it feeling raw, almost lo-fi, like you’re catching her mid-demo. But it’s a trap. That rawness is engineered. Every creak, every little breath left in the mix adds to this illusion of intimacy. You’re in the room with her, and she’s trying not to cry while singing it.
She made a statement with no capital letters and no exclamation points — just emotion, craft, and timing dialed all the way in.
SCORE 8.2/10
Philadelphia keeps its feet in the dirt and its heart on its sleeve.
Indie Boulevard Magazine 