Squirrel Flower’s New Album: A Meditation on Movement and Stillness
There’s something deeply compelling about artists who turn personal chaos into art. Ella Williams, better known as Squirrel Flower, has always been one of those artists. Her latest album, Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going, feels like a raw, unfiltered conversation about the tension between movement and stillness—a theme that, personally, I think resonates far beyond her music.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Williams frames the album as an ode to the “push and pull of domesticity and unraveling.” It’s not just about leaving or staying; it’s about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with both. In my opinion, this duality is what makes her work so relatable. We’ve all felt that restless urge to move forward while being pulled back by the comfort of familiarity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the album’s title. Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mantra for anyone who’s ever felt stuck. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of existential restlessness is a universal experience, yet it’s rarely articulated so beautifully. Williams doesn’t just sing about it; she seems to embody it.
Collaborations and Soundscapes
The album features contributions from a diverse group of musicians, including Dimitri Giannopoulos of Horse Jumper of Love and Dave Hartley from The War on Drugs. From my perspective, these collaborations add layers of complexity to the sound, creating a rich tapestry that mirrors the album’s thematic depth.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Williams’ lyrics started as an art piece on an overdue toll bill. This raises a deeper question: How often do we overlook the mundane as a source of creativity? If you take a step back and think about it, this approach is both unconventional and profoundly human. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always come from grand moments—sometimes, it’s born from the small, overlooked fragments of life.
The Lead Track: “Reelin”
The lead single, “Reelin,” is a standout. Williams describes it as her ode to the cycle of leaving and being pulled back in. What this really suggests is that the act of moving forward isn’t linear—it’s messy, repetitive, and often frustrating. The video for the track amplifies this, with its dreamy, almost hypnotic visuals that feel both chaotic and calming.
Personally, I think this song captures the essence of the album. It’s not just about the struggle; it’s about finding beauty in the struggle. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Williams manages to make something so personal feel universally accessible.
Touring and the Live Experience
Williams’ extensive tour schedule is another aspect worth noting. With dates spanning from Charlotte to Vancouver, she’s clearly not just an artist who creates in isolation—she’s one who thrives on connection. In my opinion, this tour isn’t just about promoting the album; it’s about bringing these themes of movement and stillness to life.
One thing that immediately stands out is the diversity of venues and supporting acts. From sold-out shows at Metro in Chicago to intimate performances at Ojai Deer Lodge, Williams seems to be embracing both the grand and the small. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of range allows her to connect with audiences on multiple levels, whether they’re in a packed auditorium or a cozy bar.
Broader Implications: Art as a Reflection of Life
If you take a step back and think about it, Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going isn’t just an album—it’s a reflection of our collective struggle with change. In a world that often glorifies constant motion, Williams reminds us that it’s okay to feel stuck, to reel back in, to question the very act of moving forward.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the album’s themes tie into broader cultural conversations about productivity, rest, and identity. What this really suggests is that Williams isn’t just making music; she’s contributing to a larger dialogue about what it means to be human in an increasingly chaotic world.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I think Say a Prayer to the Gods of Getting Going is more than just an album—it’s a manifesto for anyone who’s ever felt torn between staying and leaving. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Williams turns her personal struggles into something deeply universal.
In my opinion, this is the kind of art that stays with you long after the last note fades. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the questions it leaves you with. If you take a step back and think about it, isn’t that what the best art does? It doesn’t give you answers—it invites you to find your own.
So, as we await the album’s release on August 21, I’ll be here, reeling in my own thoughts, and maybe, just maybe, saying a prayer to the gods of getting going.
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