Lily Kershaw’s latest single, Depreshmode, expresses raw, unfiltered emotional honesty that not only confronts the shadows but also invites us into the depths of her prolonged struggle with depression. This track marks her triumphant return to the music scene, offering the first glimpse into her highly anticipated album slated for a 2024 release.
Depreshmode is a masterful confluence of wistfulness and wit, a delicate tightrope walk between the heaviness of the subject matter and the lightness of the melody. Produced by Brandon Walters, known for his work with Lord Huron, the song wraps listeners in a comforting acoustic embrace, allowing Kershaw’s soothing voice to become a beacon of light in the murky waters of mental health discussions.
The lyrics are a poignant journey through Kershaw’s personal battles. She seeks a “personal Jesus,” yearning for something divine to believe in, highlighting the human quest for meaning, especially amidst suffering. The song’s brilliance lies in its relatability; who hasn’t felt lost, searching for a “soft place for landing“?
Kershaw’s storytelling shines as she recounts a painful memory of a friend who distanced herself due to her depression. This experience births the term depreshmode, a lighthearted façade masking profound suffering. It’s a defence mechanism that many with mental health struggles will recognise, making the song hit home even harder.
The chorus is hauntingly beautiful, questioning if there’s “an action to break this curse.” It’s a stark portrayal of living with persistent depression—the “mourning” that doesn’t seem to leave, the laughter that could be a warning. Kershaw’s lyrical dexterity turns her personal demons into an anthem, offering both solace and companionship to those with similar struggles.
One of the most striking verses, “Saw the finest minds of my generation / Get high on their devastation,” is a powerful commentary on how pervasive mental health issues are, especially among the youth. It’s a nod to the collective despair that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Depreshmode is a courageous confession, a hopeful hand in the darkness, and it serves as a potent reminder that we’re not alone in our battles. Lily Kershaw shows us all that even in our darkest moments, there’s beauty to be found, and more importantly, there’s hope.