Lord & Lady premiere “The Lift” today on CelebMix. The song is from the duo’s forthcoming No Ghost EP, dropping later this summer. The title – “The Lift” – refers to feeling “the lift of butterflies” when the likelihood of new love materializes.
Scott Oatley (vocals, guitar, piano) is Lord, while Rachel Panchal (vocals, piano) is Lady. The two singer-songwriters met through music publisher and artist mentor, Judy Stakee. Although young in years, Panchal and Oatley are veteran singers. Their collective credits comprise High School Musical, Jurassic World, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Glee, and The Simpsons.
Posted on YouTube in 2016, the duo’s “La La Land Medley” went viral, amassing 4.9 million views and still counting, and was utilized by Russian figure skaters Kristina Astakhova and Alexey Rogonov in their pairs free skate performance at the Winter Olympics.
Describing Lord & Lady’s sound, Panchal says, “We stay true to our organic roots and these songs have a classic old timey feel to them, but infused with a lot of modern elements, in a unique way. In some moments, they’re very movie-esque, even using the timpani for percussion for certain parts. ‘The Lift’ is both different and familiar, and that makes it the perfect first single for this new phase of our career.”
“The Lift” opens with austere harmonics, a thumping bass and light piano. Panchal’s high voice leads off, followed by Oatley’s. The bridge escalates as the two voices merge, attaining gorgeous sonority on the chorus. The glowing melody supports the glorious harmonies conjuring a marvelous sonic coalescence.
There’s an old-fashioned essence to the melody that’s simultaneously quixotic and elusively familiar. But rather than coming across as outmoded, the melody actually assumes a charming quality because of the contemporary alt-pop elements present. The amalgamation of old-fashioned and fashionable imbue the tune with a delicious pop vivacity that’s enchanting.
The tender lyrics imbue the song with the bewitching intensity of burgeoning love.
“It’s not even our first date, and I just want to kiss you / I know I don’t know you too well, but don’t leave unless I’m with you / When I see you talking and laughing / It’s like watching magic / You’ve got special powers / Tonight / I feel the lift of butterflies / And you can’t hold me down / So hold me tight / Close your eyes / Let your heart take flight / Cause we could fall / Tonight.”
With a beauty so extraordinary it seems to have a vitality of its own, “The Lift” achieves an ineffable intimacy. This is a breathtaking song, elegant, radiant, and bedazzling.