Pain by MANELLA: Review

by Gabe Finch April 17, 2023

April 17, 2023

Manella’s latest release, “Pain,” is a hauntingly beautiful piano composition that hits you right in the feels with her heartfelt vocals. The song features a captivating melody that stays with you long after you’ve stopped listening.

What stands out the most in “Pain” is Manella’s voice, accompanied by thoughtful lyrics. She delivers a performance that captures the essence of the pain left by a breakup, especially when the other person doesn’t hurt as much as she does. Her voice is raw, powerful, and full of depth, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the emotions she conveys in the situation. It’s bound to relate to a lot of us or take us back to a time when we were struggling in the folds of our confounding heartbreak.

The lyrics are simple yet impactful, touching upon themes of heartbreak, loss, and the struggle to move on. The haunting memories, as depicted in “Capture me with your old eyes once more/ Listening to the river on a park bench/ Replaying every phrase told from old times,” are what really make it hard enough to look forward.

The instrumental arrangement is also noteworthy. The bass and piano create a stripped-down sound that allows the vocals to shine through. The drums create momentum in pain and add an extra layer of emotional depth to the song, making it all the more poignant. Based in Montreal, Manella takes her inspiration from Joni Mitchell and Fiona Apple to create her alternative pop and bluesy sound.