Lana Del Rey is offering a first glimpse into her forthcoming album, Stove, with a snippet of the single “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter.” The track, previewed on Instagram , immediately sparked comparisons to her critically acclaimed 2023 song, “A&W,” due to its unconventional vocal delivery and atmospheric production.
Rather than a traditional vocal performance, Del Rey employs a half-rapped, whispered style in the preview. This technique, as noted in a report following the release, echoes her approach on “A&W” from her album Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. The song’s structure is built around a minimalist beat featuring muted percussive guitar, droney mechanical ambiance and subtle string accents.
The lyrical content, revealed in the Instagram preview, is characteristically evocative and steeped in imagery. Del Rey sings, “He’s my white feather-hawk tail deer hunter / Likes to keep me cool in the hot breeze summer / Likes to push me on this green John Deere mower.” This imagery, while seemingly pastoral, is layered with a subtle undercurrent of unease, a hallmark of Del Rey’s songwriting. The snippet also includes the line, “In the dark, snap, crackle, pop,” a phrase that is already resonating with fans as a deliberate echo of the memorable, and widely memed, lyric from “A&W”: “Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy ride.”
The sonic landscape of “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” also draws attention for its opening sample, described as reminiscent of the unsettling theme from the 1950s-60s horror series, The Twilight Zone. This choice signals a potential thematic exploration of the uncanny and the surreal, elements that have frequently appeared in Del Rey’s work.
Del Rey shared details about the production of “White Feather” in a now-deleted Instagram video, confirming its release date of . She revealed her involvement in the string arrangements and some production work alongside Drew Erickson. The track was mixed by Dean Reid, with additional mixing contributions from Laura Sisk, and was a collaborative effort between Del Rey and Jack Antonoff.
The anticipation surrounding Stove has been building for some time. Del Rey’s previous work, particularly Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, cemented her status as a significant voice in contemporary music, blending confessional songwriting with cinematic production. “A&W,” in particular, garnered significant attention for its experimental structure and lyrical depth, becoming one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” according to some sources.
The connection between “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” and “A&W” is more than just a stylistic similarity. Both songs showcase Del Rey’s willingness to experiment with vocal delivery, blurring the lines between singing and spoken word. This approach allows her to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing listeners into her lyrical world. The shared use of seemingly mundane, yet slightly unsettling, imagery – cereal references in “A&W” and agricultural scenes in “White Feather” – further reinforces this connection.
The release of “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” is strategically timed, capitalizing on the momentum generated by the initial buzz surrounding Stove. The album is expected to further explore the themes of Americana, nostalgia, and the complexities of modern relationships that have defined Del Rey’s career. The preview suggests a continuation of her artistic evolution, pushing boundaries and challenging expectations.
While the full scope of Stove remains unknown, the first glimpse offered by “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” indicates a project that is both deeply personal and artistically ambitious. The song’s atmospheric production, unconventional vocal delivery, and evocative lyrics position it as a compelling addition to Del Rey’s already impressive discography, and a strong indication of the direction she is taking with her new work.
