“Geyser” is the next, stunning step in Mitski’s evolution as an artist.
The singer-songwriter has gradually expanded her song, growing tremendously since Bury Me at Makeout Creek. After the breakthrough success of Puberty 2, “Geyser” represents a push into lusher soundscapes. An abrupt, consuming organ starts the tune steadily, letting Mitski express herself over its smooth background. But halfway through, the track erupts like its title implies, moving into glorious arpeggios of synths, horns and guitars layered over each other.
Like many of Mitski’s tracks, “Geyser” takes on love and desire, and how complicated and raw those emotions can feel. “You’re my number one/You’re the one I want/And I’ve turned down every hand/That has beckoned me to come,” she sings, wistful about an-encompassing need. Her lyrics though have an unexpected focus on music itself. As she told NPR, “I wrote it over a long period of time thinking about all the things I give up for it, but I gladly give it up because I love it so much and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
It’s a wonderful introduction to her upcoming record, Be The Cowboy, out on August 17 via Dead Oceans.