LISTEN: Dad Bod Release Ethereal Remix Of “4/9”
LISTEN: Dad Bod Release Ethereal Remix Of “4/9”
Prepare to feel yourself floating away.
Words By: Bre Offenberger
Dad Bod, a Minnesota-based indie rock band on their way to achieving worldwide acclaim within the genre, have released a revamped version of their track “4/9.” While the original — which appeared on the band’s 2020 EP, Precursor — is pure acoustic, the remix is atmospheric, ethereal to the touch and an utter masterpiece.
Both tracks follow the same gentle pace. The original finds frontwoman Callie Marino unleashing her wispy vocals that feel as warm as a long hug while light guitar strums brush past. The instrumentation remains steady as Marino finds herself thinking about her ex, who’s far away and who she wishes was back to hold her in their arms again. It gradually builds with a lap steel buzzing in the background and taps of drumsticks forcing her pleas into your head. In the last 20 seconds, the production dies off alongside Marino’s hopes of a reunion.
In the new version, otherworldly synths gently rage behind twinkling guitars. There’s a revitalized feeling within the drums, signifying that Marino feels more hopeful this time around, though it unfortunately ends with the same heartbreak. However, the track concludes with a few sorrowful strums of the drum, which promises there’s still some life left in Marino. The track may be as lyrically desolate as they come, but you’ll find yourself leaving the song with a newfound feeling of bliss.
Of the remix, Marino shares: “In the spring of last year we had plans to record a full-band EP. Once the pandemic hit it was clear that wasn’t going to be an option, so Wilson and I recorded ‘Precursor’, a largely stripped down EP. ‘4/9’ was the opening track on that record and was pieced together through voice memos I recorded on my iPhone and instrumentation Wilson recorded at home. Tracks were sent back and forth and ideas shared as the song began to come together. The rest of the band wanted to expand on the song – once we started practicing again, a new version came together. That is the version we are releasing now. We’re very proud of the place this track has come to.”
Dad Bod, comparable in atmospheric feeling to the likes of Julien Baker and Novo Amor, have become known for their soft, evocative soundscapes. They formed in late 2019 after Marino created the basis for it in her bedroom and have since released one EP and a couple of singles. For more ascension-worthy tracks, check out the rest of Dad Bod’s discography, and watch out for more from them on the way soon.
