Chloe Lilac's "Sawed Off Shotgun" Is a Killer Re-Introduction to Her Alt-Pop Prowess
Chloe Lilac is re-introducing herself to indie rock with her latest single, “Sawed Off Shotgun,” and it’s a killer comeback. Her first release in 2 years, this song makes a statement – both sonically, and career-wise – announcing that Chloe Lilac is back and here to rock. “Sawed Off Shotgun” is a sister of the murder ballad: more like a vaguely homicidal alt-pop anthem. Above all, this song is an explosive re-introduction for Chloe Lilac, feeding longtime fans more songs to scream to, and sure to draw new listeners into her pop prowess, too.
“Sawed Off Shotgun” starts with a heartbeat of bass and drum, driving steadily beneath Chloe Lilac’s vocals. Though the beat is solid and grounded, every piece is teetering on its temper. There’s synth decorations that hint at bubbling anger and early-2000s, filtered vocal callbacks building tension, all leading up to the hook where the arrangement suddenly pulls back, and we’re met with Chloe’s raw vocals, earnestly offering: “I’ve got a sawed-off shotgun, but I’d hold out for you…” Then, it explodes into an electronic drop, synths buzzing, and the kick drum itching to lose control.
It’s a tease of a drop, though, as we don’t get the full extent of Chloe Lilac’s rage until the outro, where she finally lets loose. Distorted guitars weave in with shouted background vocals to create a wall of sound as Lilac spits out pent-up retorts at the song’s subject. Any listeners recovering from a situationship can relate to the torrent of bitterness, spite, and hurt spilling out of this bridge – but even more so, the lingering care. Chloe Lilac ends the song with the same raw vocal hook from the beginning, and it’s felt that despite all the ways she’d want to hurt this person like they hurt her, she wouldn’t.
Bristling with new energy and infused with the alt-pop mastery listeners already love, Chloe Lilac’s “Sawed Off Shotgun” is just what fans have been waiting for – and hopefully the sign of much more to come.
Listen to "Sawed Off Shotgun" below:
