Veronica Charnley of Plumes mixes a Twentieth Century classical sensibility and indie pop. The single “When I Walk In” as depicted in the visually striking music video is written almost like one side of telephone conversation between people in the cryptic beginnings of a deeply atmospheric thriller. The scenes of a getaway cottage in the American west near a mountainous landscape. There is something ominous in the tone of the song though it is also introspective and beautiful in its leisurely pace. The intricate piano figures seem to sketch the outlines of the arc of emotions in their complexity. The lyrics are the words of someone who felt a special connection with another person with the tender feelings and fondness lingering even though it seems obvious something is off though perhaps things are not at an end but in need of examining if and where things went awry as there is no attempt to villainize in Charnley’s words. Could be a figment of my imagination but I hear a nod to Debussy’s “Arabesque No. 1” in the structure and mood of the final third of the song which enhances an air of mystery to the song that also allows for a song of potentially mixed emotions resolve with a sense of satisfaction. Watch the video for “When I Walk In” on YouTube and follow Plumes at the links below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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