flora cash find beauty in the dark with behind every beautiful thing

flora cash's new album, behind every beautiful thing, is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The Swedish–American duo, comprised of Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall, explores the profound contradictions of love, vulnerability, and the spaces between joy and sorrow. As the title suggests, the album invites us to search behind the beautiful veneer of life to find the rawness that exists beneath. Drawing from their signature blend of indie pop, indie folk, and dark pop, they craft a musical landscape that feels simultaneously introspective and expansive.

What makes behind every beautiful thing stand out is its ability to evoke emotional tension. There's a tug-of-war happening in both the lyrics and the sound, as sincerity and irony, light and darkness, constantly battle for dominance. This is where the duo's metamodern approach shines, oscillating between vulnerability and detachment, hope and despair, and embracing the contradictions of existence with a quiet resolve.

One of the most striking examples of this push and pull is "My Ex Would've Left By Now", a standout track that highlights the album's exploration of imperfect love. Laden with regret, they sing, "I'm sorry that I'm worse than I could be, that your love isn't worth what it should be. Deep down, I'm afraid of a good thing." The rawness of this confession is contrasted with an airy pop sound, creating a sense of catharsis and relief despite the emotional weight of the lyrics. The gentle "ahs" in the background feel like a sigh of gratitude that his lover is still by his side, even though his flaws are laid bare.

Equally compelling is "Like No One Could", where the duo's harmonies blend to create a powerful testament to enduring love despite the fears that accompany it. The song begins with a recounting of the doubts that creep into long-term relationships: "You've been talking to me like you never have before, asking 'what if one of us gets bored?'" It's a quiet admission of the vulnerability that comes with loving someone for the long haul, but the chorus—"I will love you like no one could"—acts as a reassuring balm, promising steadfastness even in the face of uncertainty. You can feel the same heartfelt tension in Dakota Holden's pedal steel in "Morning Comes", "Baby I Love You", and "The Night Is Young".

The closing track, "The Builder (Flör J. Blom", brings the album's themes to a poignant conclusion. With lush jazz flourishes and a dreamy, almost ethereal classical touch, the duo crafts an instrumental song that reflects on the whole album's journey. It's a beautiful closing mediation for behind every beautiful thing. What does it mean to love, to let go, and to embrace the complexity of human relationships? flora cash pull listeners through the highs and lows of their journey, reminding us that beauty is often found in the contradictions we least expect.

Stream behind every beautiful thing below.

Ben McCoy

Ben is an advertising Madman who spends his days with words and music. When he's not writing for his supper, he's eating it at some of NYC's most interesting restaurants.

behind every beautiful thing
Album
flora cash
Released October 24, 2024 via Flower Money Records