By now you will know that our adoration for the work of Michellar runs deep. We featured a slew of her singles last year, and were happy to see that the artist, who is also known as Michelle Bond, had released a cohesive album featuring a fair few of these tracks, and some new gems! Needless to say, we were drawn to listen and share our experience. So here is a track-by-track feature of Reverie..From then till now, which serves as “a culmination of Michellar‘s musical influences and personal experiences.”
1. Its Another Year
The record opens with metronomic percussion and acoustic guitar as Michellar sings, “It’s another year, here we are again, waiting for that rain to ring in the year…”. Philosophically, the song is about time passing, reflected by the ticking elements, and people growing older. Michelle sings about holding on to hope, dreams, and each other as life moves forward year by year. It feels laced with renewal energy, which is symbolic of the time of release at the start of 2026. The soundscape is luscious and warm with a delicate, ethereal delivery and a high emotional quotient for the build.
2. Running Wild
This leads us to Running Wild with pulsating drums as Harrison Black sings, “I’m running like a freight train…” as he shares inspiring and escapist prose. In simple words, it is about feeling trapped, wanting to be free – running full speed toward freedom, self-discovery, and a place that feels aligned, no matter how far away it is. This feels like a cohesive continuation of the theme represented in Its Another Year, and we love the timeless rock soundscape and the intricate guitar work.
3. Intersection
Opening with sublime banjo lines intertwined with acoustic guitar, Intersection evolves as a story of human connection and love at first sight. Tobias Wilson’s narrative-driven vocals set the scene before the track expands into a textured folk soundscape with gentle percussion and spiritual depth. The dynamic tempo shifts elevate the emotional quotient, allowing the story to breathe before an anthemic finale. We learn that influenced by artists such as Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, the song captures fleeting magic and liberation through love. Michellar’s compositional strength shines, offering a cinematic and deeply heartfelt folk moment.
4. Promise
This brings us to promise which opens with astral textures and brooding piano notes as Michellar sings, “Will the trees come back, that is what you asked, when we met last summer…” The harmonies are sublime and the classical nuances are poetic and theatrical as Michelle shares a story of love and commitment in uncertain times. She holds on to promises and hope even when the future feels unclear and distant. It is inspiring and cinematic – perfect for a sync placement that reflects a similar narrative.
5. September
Opening with an immersive piano, cosmic detailing and intricate acoustic guitar, September is created to capture the delicate shift between seasons with elegance and emotional depth. Helen Walford’s timeless vocals carry notions of reminiscence as the song reflects on summer fading into autumn, and the promise of life still ahead. Michellar’s narrative-driven songwriting really shines through, blending poetic grace with a cinematic build. Cymbal risers gently punctuate the transitions, which evoke reflection and renewal.
6. We Both Can Fall
This brings us to We Both Can Fall, which is built on a luscious alt-country guitar soundscape. The track delivers raw emotional depth and cinematic intensity. Gracie Lou’s vocals immediately draw us in, carrying poetic prose that explores the fragility of love and commitment. The chord changes in the middle eight heighten the vulnerability, whilst subtle harmonies and a timeless production anchor the song’s emotional weight.
7. Never Say Sorry
Next, we experience warm guitar tones and layered harmonies for Never Say Sorry, which explores love, self-reflection and emotional courage. Michellar’s situational lyrics capture the complexity of leaving relationships that no longer align, whilst honouring the truth of sincere love. The cinematic arrangement enhances the vulnerability of the narrative, and emphasizes how genuine love never requires apology.
8. The Letter
The Letter opens with a glistening guitar soundscape, piano and brooding strings as Michellar sings, “I’ve been so blind all this time, staring at the walls thinking of you, photos are gone but the memories linger on…”. In simple words, it is about deep loss and grief. Michellar misses someone who is gone, and wishes that they could return to the time when love and togetherness still existed. It is the most moving song on the album and the emotive nature of the strings really heightens this.
9. Reverie
Remaining emotive at its core, but with an optimistic edge, Reverie is about finding peace and comfort in nature, appreciating small daily moments, and using calm thoughts and love to feel safe and balanced again. It feels consciously astute, as with Michellar’s wider body of work. We appreciate the descriptive prose about how the artist connects with nature and the universe.
10. Get Me There to Church
Opening with enchanting banjo melodies, Get Me There to Church radiates romantic charm and heartfelt storytelling. Performed by Helen Walford and Harrison Black, the vocals intertwine beautifully as the song explores commitment, devotion and the next step in love.
11. Conquer All with Love
Driven by a timeless 80s inspired soundscape, Conquer All with Love is an empowering ode to unity and devotion. Michellar, Harrison Black, and Christina Rntd team up to deliver a cohesive message of optimism reminiscent of ABBA and classic vocal duets. Influenced by The Police and iconic partnerships like Sonny and Cher, the song celebrates love as a guiding force through life’s challenges.
12. The Star
Finally we experience The Star, which is a full circle moment – a warm, ethereal Christmas offering that opens with meditative guitar lines, astral flute tones and a peaceful sense of reflection. Michellar’s poetic lyrics paint a sentimental image of family, hope, and togetherness during the festive season. Inspired by folk influences such as Dan Fogelberg, the song captures the magic of simple gestures and the symbolic power of the star as a beacon of light and completeness.
We love the well-rounded album, and how it goes from the start of the year to the end. It is clear how much thought and intention went into making the record and how well Michellar works with her collaborators. We have added The Letter and Reverie to our New Music Spotlight playlist and TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Michellar, and anticipate future releases!