“‘Springtime’ is a great display of KNOTTS’ ability to continue progressing their sound while maintaining originality and a singular identity as a band.”

KNOTTS’ biggest strength is in their ability to craft sweet songs beaming with warmth of sunlight; a combined product of their indie-rock and art-pop sound, soul-searching lyrics, and cover art as well. Their recent single, “Springtime,” is yet another example of this meticulously crafted sound and image the band has created for themselves.

Revolving around a relationship that is physically over but mentally still lingering, the lyrics focus on shared pieces of history that two past lovers have. Between movies, music, and books, the song highlights the feeling of trying to move on but being held back by your own memories. Powell-Boehne sings in the chorus, “And we’ll always have, ‘Perks of a Wallflower,’ And we’ll always dance, To ‘Climax’ by Usher.” She reflects on the exact pieces of media that she directly relates to her past relationship, and how with each piece, she holds a part of that person. Although this love, in her words, is not her first and won’t be her last, it still does not take away from the memories they share, “And you ain’t the first, And you won’t be the last, But we’ll always have, What we’ll always have.”

Multiple factors explain the song's title, “Springtime.” Most clearly, the second verse begins, “Springtime, it really hits me,” where the lyrics go on to explain her wish for the old lover to reach out this time of year. Going deeper, spring is a representation of new beginnings, rebirth, and a fresh start. Powell-Boehne can feel this change and is marking her growth as a singular person who is starting to finally let go of this love. We almost hear the change in seasons as the song progresses. She starts the song by explaining how she cannot find the will to read a book they recommended because she knows it is the last tangible piece of their relationship. She later sings about how she wishes they were young again, but is accepting that they have grown apart and things are different now. “Let the sky cry, My eyes are dried,” is a line repeated in the pre-chorus. Obviously expressing that she is done crying over the relationship, the line also alludes to the spring rain that allows for the regrowth of flowers, trees, and so on. She is comparing herself to these flowers, clearly marking that she is ready for a new beginning. She has grown to accept that although the relationship is over, she can still look back on what they had together positively.

Pushing past the masterful lyrics, the instrumental contributions to “Springtime” cannot go unnoticed. Most noticeable are the various synth sounds used throughout the song. Following the chorus and preceding the second verse, we get to hear a tiny keyboard feature that is so vivid you cannot help but start dancing. Going up and down repeatedly while the drums play a groovy backbeat, there is also a layer of angelic vocal “oohs” and “aahs.” Each verse resumes, though, with a clear and rigid sound. Slightly groovy, but not as loose as the chorus feels. I think this is done specifically to mimic exactly what the song is about. With each verse, she feels stuck in an old mindset, constantly thinking of the past and how things once were. Once she lets go and begins the chorus, she can breathe freely and move past this place in her life.

Sonically, the song moves to a more fluid place as we near the end. The instrumental progression and lyrical progression work hand in hand to express the growth and rebirth of a single person. By the end of the song, the sound has become so bright, and each instrument is being articulated in a way that feels free. “Springtime” is a great display of KNOTTS’ ability to continue progressing their sound while maintaining originality and a singular identity as a band.

Listen to Springtime.