‘Pharisee’ by Scarlet Mill is the ninth song of their upcoming full album, to be released soon. The song feels like a siren of grief. With synths used like longing, the track wraps around a theme of secrecy and loneliness. The slow hip-hop and indie mix echoes the current emotional rhythm of the protagonist. Scarlet’s voice evokes a strong sentiment that the theme of the song entails. There’s something very cinematic about the way ‘Pharisee‘ unfolds.
Read Another Review: ‘Love Ain’t Everything’ by Peningo Riders is about Honest Love & Hard Truths
The story, as we know from the band’s blog, tells us about this sailor, his fleeting encounter with a lover years ago, and the journey of his life. Now the sailor is on shore and tired and sits in a bar sipping on ‘Pharisee’, while enjoying a band playing. The imagery of the song is in layers, as the songs that are being played in that bar are sung by none other than his own children from his estranged lover. So he is listening to tales of his own life, but completely unaware of that. Life has arrived in a circle for him, but without him knowing. Scarlet’s delivery of this complexity is deeply evocative. The production is seamless. The 80’s synth rock, woven with present-day indie, feels like a conversation between two eras.
In News: News For Indian Artists! BTS’ Agency HYBE Launches India Auditions To Scout Local Talent
I must mention a humorous moment here. As I sat to write the review, not knowing what the title meant, I Googled it and found: “a sanctimonious, self-righteous hypocrite who emphasizes outward religious observance over internal morality”, which left me utterly confused. Then I searched again with ‘Pharisee’ as a beverage and finally understood the song’s context. What amused me was the instant image my mind formed, the irony of a devout man or woman in the Middle Ages secretly indulging in something sinful. A self-righteous figure quietly breaking their own moral code for private pleasure. And that made me realise that words are never just words; somewhere along life’s winding path, every word, object, circumstance, and person connects—sometimes beautifully, sometimes ironically, and often in ways that are unexpectedly funny.
Follow Scarlet Mill on Instagram and listen to ‘Pharisee’ streaming on Spotify.
Check out our playlists here!
Check out our YouTube channel for music reviews, playlists, podcasts, and more!
Disclaimer: This release was brought to you by a promotional campaign by the artist, PR, or management label.
