In Greek mythology there are three spirits, Lupe, Ania, and Achus, known as The Algea. The three represent pain and suffering, of both the body and mind, and are goddesses of grief, sorrow, and distress. They are known to bring tears and weeping wherever they go. Chloe Rodgers’ new song, “The Algea,” conveys the feelings of those spirits as we listen to her sift through her own heartache.
The song begins with soothing strums of the acoustic guitar as Rodgers hums along, before the string section takes center stage, establishing a somewhat frantic tone that is eased by how delicate her vocals are. We immediately become entranced by the soundscape that she has created. The dreaminess that is produced by the track has the ability to transport you to the most ethereal of mindsets. However, if you pay attention to the lyricism, it casts a shadow of darkness that brings you back to reality. “The Algea” expresses how it feels to only be valued for what you can physically provide in a relationship, as it flows seamlessly into the chorus, the tone becoming brutally honest.
It’s once the bridge begins that the self awareness in the lyricism shifts from self hatred to self-love. The combination of the pulsating strings and the tinge of anger, in her otherwise tranquil vocals, pulls your head out of the clouds and grounds you in your body. She explains, “It was just about being a naive teenager looking for love, but getting used by older dudes that knew exactly what they were doing.” Though Rodgers doesn’t seem to ever say the title of her song, she encapsulates the feeling of all three spirits throughout, both sonically and lyrically. By the last line, “I’m tired,” you’re left feeling as though you’ve experienced all five stages of grief within four minutes and six seconds, and have finally arrived at acceptance.
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