Owen Steib’s first single, “Jolie”, is based on the bright, energetic style of 1990s college rock and at the same time adopts a storytelling method associated with grunge. The song has a consistent tempo and is characterised by arpeggiated guitar lines as well as acoustic strumming. The use of saturated guitars gives the track body and forward movement, resulting in a complete arrangement that keeps the song going. Thick three-part harmonies reinforce the memorable parts, thus giving “Jolie” a sound that is influenced by melodic rock and reflects the lively spirit of that period.
Jolie is about an imaginary girl who ends up being exiled and in a state of distress. Instead of telling her story in a simple, sequential manner, Steib constructs it by using a series of scattered details and fragments of memory. A denim jacket, the yellow handle of a fireman’s hatchet and stars all become focal points, prompting the listener to assemble the full picture. The way the story is presented out of chronological order mirrors the confusion of the girl’s experience, and the narrative develops through these particular images rather than through a full explanation.
It’s abstract narrative is conveyed through the verses, whereas the chorus adopts a much simpler style. In this part, the singer is trying to comfort Jolie and is giving her reassurance in the face of the uncertainty about her circumstances. The contrast between the fragmented storyline and the straightforward chorus provides the song with a clear link. Although the character’s distress is still at the heart of the song, the chorus brings a sense of hope regarding her recovery. The final effect is a piece which combines an unsettled story with an accessible and memorable chorus.
‘Jolie’ incorporates many of the key features of its 1990s influences such as bright guitar melodies, acoustic rhythmic accompaniment, layered vocal harmonies and a thick guitar sound which advances the arrangement. This combination enables the song’s third-person narrative to be conveyed without giving up its melodic quality. Since it is Steib’s first release, the single shows a songwriting method which gives equal consideration to musical momentum and to storytelling focused on character. The song’s consistent drive together with the contrast between the detailed verses and the simple chorus gives it a clear direction for his upcoming EP.
