Taken from his upcoming album The Low Vibe, “No One Knows You Better” is the new single from Athens singer-songwriter Cortez Garza. Bolstered by stirring accompaniment from Cicada Rhythm’s Dave Kirslis (electric guitars) and Cracker’s Matt Stoessel (pedal steel), the plaintive track runs dark and deep, making good use of Garza’s world-weary vocals to create a vibe that’s undeniably glum and yet beautiful and earnest. Although presented as a last ditch effort to woo back a disgruntled lover, there’s an aura of resignation and inevitability about Carza’s singing, and the end result is sonically familiar but mesmerizing nonetheless.
Directed by Russell Oliver, the video maintains the song’s brooding, beleaguered atmosphere by utilizing a noir palette of stark blacks, grays, and whites. The action, such as there is, remains shadowy and paranoic, full of lonesome walks through deserted backdrops, increasingly nervous glances, and the curious antics of a ghostly feline. I’m usually not a fan of Americana or alt-country or whatever genre pins you want to stick this with, but there’s something about Garza’s moody sadness and vintage style that strikes a nerve with me. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a convert, but let’s just say I’ll be keeping an ear out for what Garza does next.
Watch/listen above.
More Info
Web: cortezgarzamusic.com
Bandcamp: cortezgarza.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @cortezgarzamusic
Instagram: @cortezgarzamusic
Twitter: @cortezgarza