Vemalo New Indie Folk Single 2025 | Outside of Me Review
REVIEW
9 Lounges Team
6/22/2025
The Lyrical Spark: Rupert Thomson's Influence
The song’s title came from an unexpected literary muse: Rupert Thomson, an acclaimed British novelist known for his haunting prose. Matthew Davis, inspired by a line in one of Thomson’s novels, explained:
“It spoke to me about how so much of our lives are outside of our control – including love…”
This central theme of existential vulnerability forms the lyrical backbone of the track, elevating it from a love song to a meditation on surrender, fate, and emotional authenticity.
In a music scene increasingly flooded with auto-tuned repetition, Vemalo’s newest single “Outside of Me” emerges as a heart-stirring composition that’s rich in emotional weight and artistic craft. Written by band members Matthew Davis and Vedantha Kumar, the track is a sonic blend of indie pop, folk, and soft rock, sprinkled with unexpected nods to bossa nova legends Astrid Gilberto and Stan Getz. The result is a deeply moving piece that feels both timeless and urgently current.
The Paris Touch: A World-Class Production
Adding a touch of French finesse, the track was produced in Paris by Jonathan Le Fevre, an acclaimed producer whose touch can be heard in the song’s delicate yet powerful arrangement. The engineering by Marcus Cormack, mixing by Adam at Deluxe, and mastering by Neil at Reveal round out the technical excellence that elevates “Outside of Me” to audiophile territory.
The music’s softness allows room for vulnerability. The jazzy flourishes—evocative of Stan Getz’s smoky saxophone and Astrid Gilberto’s wistful delivery—are subtle but unmistakable. These influences add a vintage sophistication that blends seamlessly with Vemalo’s modern indie aesthetic.
Meet the Band: Vemalo’s Brilliant Trio
The London-based Vemalo is comprised of three dynamic musicians:
Vedantha Kumar – Vocals/Guitar
Matthew Davis – Guitar/Bass
Louis Pearson – Piano
Each brings a rich musical history to the table. Vedantha previously captivated audiences with his indie-folk project August and After, while Matthew boasts an impressive resume, having been signed to EMI and collaborated with Grammy award-winning artist Daisy Chute (of Three and Me) and Stuart Moxham from the legendary band Young Marble Giants.
This trio channels their experience into something intimate yet expansive, echoing through every note and lyric of “Outside of Me.”
Vedantha's Voice: The Emotional Centerpiece
It’s impossible to discuss “Outside of Me” without highlighting Vedantha Kumar’s voice, which Matthew describes as “heart-stopping”. His vocal delivery doesn’t just carry the melody—it communicates the emotional depth of the lyrics with a rare kind of honesty. He sings like someone who’s lived the song’s message, his tone both fragile and unwavering.
Aesthetic Presentation: A Visual Extension
Even the artwork, designed by Matthew Davis himself, complements the track’s introspective feel. With understated visuals and thought-provoking tones, the cover art sets the perfect mood for what lies within the music—a journey into the liminal space between personal agency and surrender to life’s unpredictability.
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