North East pop-folk newcomers Crane House make a striking first impression with their debut single, ‘Cuban Heel’.
The track introduces listeners to an intricate, atmospheric soundscape filled with rich harmonies and ethereal instrumentation reminiscent of Florence & The Machine.
Blending delicate guitar and fiddle lines with haunting background vocals, ‘Cuban Heel’ explores the crushing complexities of parental relationships – love, loss, and the longing that endures. In confronting grief, the first verse paints a vivid portrait of the singer’s father and his influence: “My father was a Scottish fella,” and “He stood tall in his Cuban heel.” The chorus brings us to the present day: “It’s taken me nigh ten years to write this,” and “It’s just you that I miss.”
The dreamlike production feels warm and fully realised, dipping in tone before swelling into a cinematic conclusion. ‘Cuban Heel’ stands out as an evocative, beautifully crafted debut that captures the uncertainty and fear of navigating the modern world alone, leaving us eagerly awaiting Crane House’s next release.
You can listen to ‘Cuban Heel’ now on all major streaming platforms.
