Chloe Moriondo reflects on the pain, healing, and hard-earned self-awareness found in her transformative third album 'oyster,' a radiant synth-pop exploration of grief, growth, and the ocean’s mysteries.
Stream: 'oyster' – Chloe Moriondo
In an era where artists are often expected to build a social media presence alongside their music, one could say that Chloe Moriondo has done things in reverse.
With around three million subscribers on YouTube from her covers and periodic updates, she has been revealing herself to the world for over a decade. Now, her third album, 'oyster,' illustrates how she has rediscovered herself amidst grief, making her journey even more poignant as we’ve watched her evolve.
Chloe Moriondo’s third studio album, 'oyster,' was released on March 28 via Atlantic Records.
The last few years have been particularly tough for Moriondo, something she makes clear early on. After the release of 'SUCKERPUNCH,' which marked a stark shift from the indie rock sound that fans had come to expect, she experienced what she describes as “a pretty intense breakup – the biggest one I’ve ever gone through.”
This provides a fitting rationale for why 'oyster' feels so raw and intimate, despite being a lively synth-pop record. “I felt so lost and alone and almost didn’t feel like I knew myself,” she shares. “It was like I had to figure out who I was again.”
For this process of rediscovery, she sought solace in the ocean. The album 'oyster' is set against this backdrop, balancing catchy pop anthems and smooth ballads. It opens with “catch,” an upbeat, sparkling track that centers on pursuing someone of interest.
From the very outset, it’s apparent that Moriondo is fully embracing this aquatic theme. Richly reverberated synths envelop the listener as they dive down to the depths with her. The yearning is infectious, even as she navigates the tougher aspects of heartbreak. Just when you expect more delightful, bubbly love songs, she surprises you with “raw,” a vibrant and driving track that reveals her genuine emotional state (and for the record, it’s vulnerable).
A shift in perspective usually signifies a shift in sound, and 'oyster' exemplifies this.
Gone are the teasing personas from 'SUCKERPUNCH,' and the youthful indie rock textures from 'Blood Bunny' and earlier works like 'Rabbit Hearted' are likewise absent. What remains is a blend that signals a newfound maturity and a dreamy, danceable vibe. The lead single, “shoreline,” is a shining example of this: resonant drones weave throughout simple, candid lyrics.
One could argue the album’s core message is encapsulated in this song, where she sings, “I miss you, I’m bitter, but not all the time.” The album shines brightest when Moriondo embraces her contradictions. Fortunate for us and unfortunately for her, grappling with heartbreak often involves this duality. “hate it” rides that same wave of resentment and longing, with Moriondo stating, “Everybody wants you, and I hate it, but I can’t let you go.” A similar sentiment is echoed in “use,” whose chorus reveals, “I use and let use, I do, just like you.” She grapples with the temptation to vilify her ex-lover, knowing that such negativity leads to self-reflection on her less healthy coping mechanisms.
Chloe Moriondo © Madeline Kate Kann
There’s no straightforward way to navigate the grief of a breakup, and Chloe Moriondo knows this well.
She invites us to witness her stumble, fall, and rise again repeatedly. 'oyster' marks a significant advancement for her as an artist because it reflects her personal development; these songs embody not just a transformation in her sound, but a deeper understanding of herself in the aftermath of her experiences.
If this represents the most genuine version of Chloe Moriondo, we should eagerly anticipate what follows.
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:: stream/purchase oyster here ::
:: connect with Chloe Moriondo here ::
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A CONVERSATION WITH CHLOE MORIONDO
Atwood Magazine: To begin, I love this new album. In my opinion, it’s your best work yet, and I’m a big admirer of it.
Chloe Moriondo: Thank you so much. I’m really proud of this album. It means a lot to me, so hearing others appreciate it in the same way is incredibly fulfilling and exciting. With each album, you can hear how much time has passed since the last one, and this one definitely reflects a more mature perspective that builds on everything I’ve created before.
You mentioned that going to the ocean was crucial for this record. How do you view that as a metaphor, and why did you choose it as a lens for exploring love and grief?
Chloe Mor
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Chloe Moriondo shares her insights on the heartbreak, healing, and the challenging self-discovery that shaped her transformative third album ‘oyster,’ a radiant synth-pop exploration of grief, growth, and the depths of the ocean.