B-Side Guys

In the dimly lit corners of alt-country, LORNA’s “Underachiever” emerges as a haunting reflection on post-breakup desolation. The East Coast NSW singer-songwriter, also known as Erin Condon, crafts a ballad that’s both a gentle caress and a gut punch, expertly balancing vulnerability with a touch of sardonic humor.

Condon’s clear, deliberate vocals float atop a sea of twinkling, brassy guitar work, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts honky-tonk at closing time and late-night confessional. The slow-burn arrangement allows each instrument to breathe, with the piano accordion adding a layer of nostalgic melancholy that perfectly underscores the lyrical content.

“Underachiever” doesn’t just wallow in its misery; it revels in it. Condon’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Valentine’s Day desperation, complete with convenience store flowers and a hastily downloaded dating app. It’s a scenario that could easily veer into self-pity, but LORNA manages to infuse it with a wry self-awareness that elevates the track beyond simple heartbreak fare.

The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s themes, placing LORNA in a faded pink room that screams ’80s kitsch. As she sits down to a dinner for one, surrounded by imperfect trinkets held together with tape, the visual metaphor is clear: this is a life barely holding itself together. The subsequent descent into food-flinging chaos serves as a cathartic release, mirroring the emotional journey of the song itself.

With “Underachiever,” LORNA has created a powerful sophomore single that showcases her multi-instrumental talents and songwriting prowess. It’s a track that invites listeners to embrace their moments of weakness, to find beauty in the mess, and perhaps most importantly, to remember that even in our darkest times, we’re rarely as alone as we feel. As LORNA continues to evolve her sound, she’s proving herself to be anything but an underachiever in the alt-country scene.