With a backdrop of literary and mythological references, “Orlando in Love” serves as an enticing preview for Japanese Breakfast’s forthcoming fourth album, ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).’
Japanese Breakfast introduced “Orlando in Love” on January 7th as the first single from their upcoming album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women). The track is as enchantingly alluring as the entirety of their discography, showcasing lead singer and songwriter Michelle Zauner’s clever lyrical nuances and a voice that feels like a gentle lift into the clouds.
Concise yet impactful, “Orlando in Love” artfully weaves in allusions to the epic poem Orlando Innamorato (Orlando in Love) by Matteo Maria Boiardo. With this single, Japanese Breakfast sets the scene for another exquisite auditory experience, all within a mesmerizing two-minute duration.
Orlando Innamorato, originating from the Italian Renaissance, is as rich in artistic merit as Japanese Breakfast’s body of work. First published in 1483, the tale follows the adventures of the knight Orlando, capturing an epic filled with chivalry, magic, and, most significantly to this song, love.
Orlando soon finds himself enchanted by Angelica, a mystical and fiercely independent woman. His fascination with her appears to inspire the track, with lyrics that echo the theme of a captivating, ethereal woman calling out to a defenseless lover.
Zauner explains, “‘Orlando in Love’ comprises a mix of unusual references. The title stems from the epic poem by Matteo Maria Boiardo, which abruptly concludes at 68.5 cantos due to the invasion of Italian territories by French troops, leaving Boiardo to flee before completing it.”
“I was captivated by the title and imagined a whimsical, foolish male character living by the sea in a Winnebago RV, seduced by a siren. After writing it, it felt like the ideal thesis for an album focusing on individuals, particularly men, who let themselves be swayed by temptation and face the consequences.”
Zauner's voice is light, playful, and nearly impish. The teasing element within the lyrics conveys Orlando’s folly in trying to comprehend the source of this woman's supernatural charm.
The music video for “Orlando in Love” strengthens the notion of an irresistibly enchanting figure, visually referencing the Roman goddess Venus (of love, beauty, fertility, and desire) alongside additional lyrical nods to Roman mythology. In the video, Venus, portrayed by Zauner, calls to Orlando with a mesmerizing siren’s allure.
As though the sea had birthed her to embody the ideal woman, she emerges from the water like Venus from a shell, singing his name with maternal sweetness, leaving him breathless and ultimately drowning.
The track concludes with four calls to Orlando, with Zauner’s vocals captivating listeners amidst a dreamy mystique. Rich with literary allusions, mythological references, intricate lyrics, and a simultaneously charming yet haunting vocal delivery— all within three minutes— Japanese Breakfast is establishing anticipation for a richly layered and distinctive experience that their fourth album promises to deliver.
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) is set to release on March 21st via Dead Oceans across all music streaming platforms.
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:: pre-order For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) here ::
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“Orlando in Love” – Japanese Breakfast
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Filled with literary and mythological allusions, "Orlando in Love" serves as an enticing preview of what awaits in Japanese Breakfast’s forthcoming fourth album, ‘For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).’