“Summa Glow” by Apricot Ink is a sunny, groovy pop masterpiece. With its rhythmic melodies and bright instrumentation, it draws in even the most skeptical listener. Plus, the harmonies are just to die for. As you float through the somewhat non-traditional form, you start to realize that you’ve genuinely never heard something like this. A totally original piece of music is hard to come by, so cherish the infectious goodness that is “Summa Glow.”
Let’s start with the production and sound design. The amount of delightfully unexpected sounds you’ll hear is immense. Examples include whistling, muffled talking, and twinkly synths, but that’s just the start of it. The song itself isn’t particularly busy, but each subtle instrument adds so much to the groove. Not to mention, the vocal editing and performance deserve recognition too. The processing makes each voice crisp, but when layered together, the collective melody becomes full, warm, and ever-so dynamically gratifying.
As far as the writing goes, we’re served a lot of different melodies. The song does a good job of contrasting long notes with short, rhythmic phrases. Plus, the chords, although mostly diatonic, are extremely tastefully placed. Each new section brings a new musical and lyrical idea forward, but still strings the original theme through quite easily.
If you’re looking for a mildly experimental pop song to obsess over, there’s no better choice than “Summa Glow.” Truly, Apricot Ink showcases every skill they have during this short-but-sweet track. Be sure to follow them on your choice of social media platform or streaming service!
Written by Alyce Lindberg