Yorina – “Bitter Taste of You” [Song Review]

“Bitter Taste of You,” the new single from alt-pop artist Yorina, reveals gleaming textures of layered minimalist surfaces that underline the palpable vulnerability of her remarkable voice.

Taken from her upcoming EP, Bloodrush, set to release in March, Yorina says that “Bitter Taste of You” reflects the aftertaste of past relationships, an aftertaste that affects and influences the present.

Originally a seamstress, Yorina’s transition to singer-songwriter was serendipitous, almost Cinderella-like. In 2015, she was at a party hosted by Dan Levy of The Do, for whom she was making stage costumes. Everyone was invited to sing a Beatles song being played on the piano. As Yorina sang, one and all stopped to listen.

Amazed by Yorina’s voice, Levy suggested she begin writing songs. In 2018, she released her debut EP, Dry Your Tears, whose title track collected more than 3.5 million streams on Spotify, followed by 2022’s Bliss & Grief.

Yorina, photo by Hélène Dumont

With its trembling intro, “Bitter Taste of You” immediately pulls listeners in through a simple yet beautiful melody topped by Yorina’s deliciously susceptible voice, at once beguiling and exposing the tender charm of guarded emotions. A low-slung, rolling, rumbling rhythm accentuates the raw passion of the tune, magnifying the song’s intimacy.

Faintly melancholic but oh-so luxurious, Yorina sings as if a wraith hovering over the quick, her sublime vocals casting a bewitching spell.

Run Time: 3:44
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Record Label: Cinq 7 / Wagram Music