A captivating reflection on the mental toll of existing in emotional purgatory when you’re in an undefined relationship, American songwriter Tomberlin has shared her latest single ‘happy accident’. Taken from her second album, i don’t know who needs to hear this… which is set for release on 29th April via Saddle Creek, ‘happy accident’ is a sincere, relatable guitar tune underscored by Tomberlin’s tender vocals and candid, relatable lyrics.
The follow up to her 2020 EP Projections and her debut album At Weddings (2018), Tomberlin’s new record promises to “to examine, hold space [and] make an altar for the feelings.” On ‘happy accident’ she unravels the many disconcerting thoughts that come with not knowing where you stand with someone romantically. Her observational lyrics cut deep throughout the track, particularly lines like: “walk five miles from my door / just to give you some more / do you just talk to me / when you’re lonely and bored?”
“‘happy accident’ is a song about relational obscurity. Trying to sort out who you are or who you were to someone,” Tomberlin explains. “Is this relationship romantic or is it just sex? Do you want to spend time with me or are you just bored? Do I make my own decisions that are good for me or are my decisions predominantly based on what I think you might want or need? I was kind of walking through moments in previous relationships in my life. I wanna know why someone wants to get to know me. Do you want to know me or just your idea of me? Do I want to know you or just my idea of you?”
From breaking away from her highly religious roots as a Pastor’s daughter in Kentucky, to relocating to New York to play music and featuring as a guest vocalist on Phoebe Bridgers’ last album Punisher, Tomberlin’s unconventional journey into music has paved the way for her exquisitely confessional songwriting. She’ll be touring the UK & Ireland in April and May this year.
Watch the video for ‘happy accident’ below.
Tomberlin UK & Ireland Tour Dates 2022
April 28th Margate – Caves
April 29th Nottingham – Rough Trade
May 1st Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
May 2nd Manchester – Yes (Basement)
May 3rd Edinburgh – Voodoo Rooms
May 4th Birmingham – Cuban Embassy
May 5th London – St Matthias Church
May 6th Cardiff – Clwb For Bach
May 7th Brighton – Kmedia Studio
May 8th Dublin – The Grand Social
Follow Tomberlin on bandcamp, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Photo Credit: Michelle Yoon
Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut
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