The theme of bug crush’s new EP Somehow I Go in Circles All the Time may be one of thought loops and treading water, but the second single from Carolyn Fahrner’s upcoming self-released project feels a little more hopeful. Set to a dreamy, minimalist slowcore instrumental, Fahrner’s vocals on “Tugboat” quietly soar while she likens herself to the title’s vessel as she manages to continue pushing forward. The track pushes forward, too, gaining momentum until it opens up in its final minute.
“I wrote this song at the beginning of 2024 about being in a state of desire, but also feeling unsure about why I wanted the things I wanted,” the songwriter shares. “I was thinking a lot about New Year’s resolutions and the goals I set for myself and this song emerged as a reflection of that. I frequently get comments about the amount I cram into my schedule and I’ve always struggled with creating reasonable schedules for myself. I liked the idea of being a tugboat to reflect my tendency to just keep pushing on.”
Check out the Finn Gardner-Puschak–directed visual for the track—which Fahrner credits producer Oli Deakin and drummer Justin Gibble for carrying to the finish line—below.
