Ontario's emmersonHALL transforms bitterness into artistry with the release of their new single "Air," which encapsulates the intense feelings of anger and disappointment experienced in the aftermath of a breakup.
The haunting nature of lingering resentment permeates our minds, resurfacing in quiet moments we wish to leave behind. In "Air," emmersonHALL expresses, “I bleed so you’re winning on every hand played,” showcasing a song that artistically conveys the heavy emotions that accompany a breakup. With lines like “I just can’t stand to be in the places we’ve laid,” the track serves as both an emotional release and a cathartic experience, marking a brief plunge into darkness—a soundtrack for moments when we are caught between logic and heartache, as someone once cherished becomes a mere shadow in our minds.
Released on Valentine’s Day 2025 through Club Records, "Air" is a tender outpouring of genuine, visceral emotion. This marks emmersonHALL’s first release of the year, following their self-titled debut album in 2023, which Atwood Magazine lauded as a “tender, intimate, and expansive introduction” radiating with warmth and alt-folk appeal.
emmersonHALL, the stage name of Ottawa, Ontario singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Cole Hallman, made their debut in late 2022 with the four-track EP, Ography. Collaborating with Michael Watson (Chemical Club, Preloved), they produced their first album by weaving together various musical and personal moments, influenced by artists like Wilco, The Microphones, and Wednesday. The outcome is a collection of “deeply visceral, delicate, and moving indie rock and alt-folk music that resonates profoundly.”
Unlike the preceding album, "Air" feels more vibrant, less confined, and less polished. Hallman’s gentle voice feels intimate, almost as if they’re singing directly into our ears, while the guitar strumming—particularly in the verses—maintains a sense of lightness and freedom. However, beneath that ease lies a hidden turbulence, embodying raw vulnerability wrapped in delicate melodies.
“I waste all my money on food I can’t keep / Pull it all out and push it away from me / It’s none of your business how I’ve held up.”
“'Air' is a song steeped in bitterness, reflecting the anger and disappointment felt towards someone who doesn’t merit it—someone who owes you nothing,” Hallman shares with Atwood Magazine. “I aimed to encapsulate a brief dark moment within an otherwise joyful life, like a preserved butterfly.”
The song draws instrumental influence from My Bloody Valentine and Songs: Ohia, blending stripped-back acoustic verses with expansive shoegaze choruses. This dynamic contrast is reminiscent of The Pixies or Nirvana, both of which are among Hallman’s favorite artists. Although "Air" is one of the less bass-driven tracks from emmersonHALL, the instrument remains pivotal towards the conclusion of the song.
“I hope he’s gentle / Does he feel like me? / Air it out baby / Air it out baby.”
With its stark contrasts and raw emotion, "Air" provides a vital release—a letting go of feelings that are too burdensome to carry. EmmersonHALL effectively captures the pain of unresolved resentment with impressive clarity, their voice raw and personal amid the song's fluctuating sonic landscape. From the ethereal verses to the expansive choruses, "Air" reflects the tumultuous nature of its themes: fleeting yet impactful, delicate yet searing.
This track resonates well after the final notes dissolve, reminiscent of a feeling we thought we had moved beyond.
Listen to "Air" on your preferred music platforms and stay tuned for more as emmersonHALL continues to unveil new music throughout the year!
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Ontario's emmersonHALL transforms feelings of bitterness into art with their new single "Air," encapsulating the momentary yet impactful burden of anger and disappointment during the aftermath of a breakup.