Hemlocke Springs Searches For Love in New Single “enknee1”
By Lauren Arzbaecher
You have likely already heard snippets of hemlocke springs’ hypnotic sound when scrolling through social media without even knowing it. Rabid use of her single “girlfriend” on TikTok—the audio has been used in 68.9K videos to date—brought the artist a slew of new fans since its release in November of 2022. Her latest single, “enknee1,” shows a new layer of the artist equally deserving of virality.
“enknee1” — a respelling of “anyone” — is the third single from hemlocke springs’ debut EP going…going…GONE! which released on September 29th. Born Isimeme “Naomi” Udu, the North Carolinian artist has a small but mighty body of work, many of which are certifiable earworms. The EP features seven tracks in total, four that have been previously released as singles in addition to three new songs.
Where the voice of “girlfriend” is confident, scoffing at a lover saying she must want to be their girlfriend, “enknee1” is more contemplative and self-critical. The chorus is an existential spiral of questions: “Is there anyone? Anyone out there to love me? Anyone out there to care for? Anyone out there to love?” Spurred by unrequited feelings called out in the opening verse, she asks these questions over and over again, with no answer.
The song gains power through these repetitions, each reiteration equal parts devastating and hopeful. It’s a manifestation of the voice in one’s head, asking unanswerable questions that poke at our anxieties. Craving connection, but not quite knowing where to start.
Almost at odds with the lyrics is the song’s bubbly backing track, laden with synth. The driving beat undoubtedly mirrors the hyperpop style of hemlocke springs’ other singles, but is contrasted by the softer melody layered on top. Each recall of the questions is sung with new fervor, some whispered, some pleading.
The soundscape gets more percussive as the song continues, escalating with the lyrics in their uncertainty. Yet instead of spiraling further, the end of the song takes a more earnest route. The final phrase “Anyone out there to love?” cuts down to just Udu’s vocals, followed by a solitary piano chord. This pared down conclusion feels intimate, as though the questions of the lyrics have been answered. Or, even if they haven’t, she’s okay with the fact that they won’t be.
hemlocke springs takes the energy of 80s pop and braids it with more modern influences with an infectious result. Her lyrics explore emotion in a way that’s inventive but still hit home for practically any listener.
