Palehound’s Ellen Kempner overcomes self-hatred with the band’s new single “Worthy." After years of struggling with body image and acceptance, the indie rock singer debuted the single from the Boston trio’s upcoming album Black Friday (out on June 7th) as a means to explore insecurity in a relationship with someone who, to her surprise, accepts her just the way she is. I felt all fuzzy listening to this one.
Kempner presents a poignant dialogue which comes across as a lyrical dissonance to the music's jaunty acoustic guitar and warm drums. Her vocals are soft, almost expressing a reluctance as she voices her insecurities with someone who makes her feel otherwise: “I think I hate my body till it’s next to yours / With you I’ll wear the clothes I’d buried in the drawers." For the chorus, the accompaniment is stripped down to highlight some of her most open lyrics: “And I’ve won over your mother, darling / And I’ve won over your sister, too / And I’ve won over your father, darling / And I still don’t feel worthy of you."
“Worthy” is a continuation of “Aaron” off the upcoming album, and together they work towards an understanding that self-doubt can be eradicated by talking through it and trusting someone. It’s just a long-ass journey.
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