Fall has arrived right on time. Just when the citizens of New Orleans were about to wage war with the muggy swamp air, we are met with a much needed cold front. Now, this of course means that it is 75 degrees instead of 90– perhaps not the ideal fall temperature, but we will take what we can get. Pick your battles. 

Fall generally ushers in “rom-coms” and comfy sweaters, but I’m focused on bolstering that this cozy feeling through auditory mediums. This week I’ve been particularly taken by Arden Lloyd’s This Moment, a 6 song debut EP by the Boston musician.

I first saw Arden perform at an Irish pub called the Burren in 2021. I was visiting my friend, Justin Meyer, a talented musician in his own right while he was studying at the Berklee College of Music. Although it was Spring Break, it was perhaps the coldest week of my young life. The Burren Irish Pub is located just a short train ride out of Boston’s city center and hosts events throughout the year. You can grab a bite, drink a pint, and listen to the wonderful musicians that Boston never seems to run out of. 

With just a guitar and microphone in front of her, Arden captivated us all. Her voice and gentle guitar playing were a nice break from the blistering cold that awaited the group outside of the pub. I was so taken with her set that I purchased a physical CD from her– why? I do not know, for I haven’t played a CD in years– needless to say, the EP has been on constant rotation ever since. The Walkman I found in my basement has finally gotten the use it deserves.

I hesitate to compare artists with each because each is unique and should be appreciated as such, but nevertheless, Arden immediately reminded me of Joni Mitchell. Arden’s voice stays with you long after she’s stopped singing, leaving you with a kind of melancholy feeling. While this feeling may be seen as negative by some, I would respectfully disagree. It’s human to feel like this sometimes– if we didn’t feel sadness, we would never feel happiness. It’s the perfect EP to listen to while going on a brisk walk through Audubon Park or even while lounging on the Quad.

The entire EP is wonderful, but my favorite has to be Passing Through the Station, the 5th track. It’s a surprisingly upbeat song that really shows Arden’s songwriting talent. I love these lyrics in particular:

 

Breakfast at a cafe

Where I burned my tongue on coffee

And you cried into scrambled eggs

 

Are you kidding me? Fantastic. Later, the song says:

 

Let’s pay the check

And get on with the day

Oh you’ll pack your worries in my suitcase

 

I love it. I know exactly what’s going on within the scene she’s describing and I can feel the subtext of her lyrics instantly. Arden is truly a phenomenal storyteller. 

For more information on Arden Lloyd’s work, you can visit her website here, or follow her Instagram @ardenlloydmusic. Contrary to my statements regarding purchasing a physical CD and playing it on a Walkman, This Moment can be found in full on Spotify.

Featured Image via Mercedes Ohlen, Album Art via Arden Lloyd.

About Mercedes Ohlen

Mercedes was The Crescent’s Editor-in-Chief from 2022-2023. She graduated from Tulane with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She enjoys going to the movies, fashion, and writing about the great city of New Orleans. She will be pursuing a career within the entertainment industry upon her graduation from Tulane. No topic is too obscure, and no story too niche. Roll Wave!

Mercedes Ohlen
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Mercedes was The Crescent’s Editor-in-Chief from 2022-2023. She graduated from Tulane with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She enjoys going to the movies, fashion, and writing about the great city of New Orleans. She will be pursuing a career within the entertainment industry upon her graduation from Tulane. No topic is too obscure, and no story too niche. Roll Wave!