Toronto, Canada-based artist Päter, real name Parmida Kakavand, recently featured on this blog as part of Jane’s alternative country roundup Bandit Highway. Now it’s my turn to run the rule over their music, courtesy of their new piano-based alt-pop ballad, which comes complete with a video. It’s called Moonshine.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Laura-Lynn Petrick

Päter is a musician with many sides to their sound, so its always interesting to hear what they come out with. Moonshine represents them at their most vulnerable, getting to grips with the isolating feeling of despair. It opens delicately with a hint of uncertainty before Päter’s sympathetic vocals come in. Finally, it explodes into a cathartic climax. There’s a touch of the classic about its arrangement, but the story of its lyrics feels universally timeless.

Moonshine was produced by Howard Redekopp. You can check out its video, directed by Päter, below.