Greg Mendez | photo by Veronica Isley | via gregmendez.bandcamp.com

Philadelphia’s Greg Mendez has a new single, “Purity (walk on)”, a plaintive acoustic ballad about toxic friendships that channels Elliot Smith both in its moody guitar arrangement and its cutting emotions. Recorded live in a single unedited take for the “One Take Box” video series, the song’s performance is raw and intimately produced.

“Purity” is backed by the lo-fi analog synth ballad “57 Killer” that transplants Mendez’s vulnerable songwriting into an offbeat, nostalgic arrangement. The single highlights Mendez’s talent as a songwriter and will suitably soundtrack any contemplative late night thoughts.

Listen to “Purity (walk on)” below. Greg Mendez will perform at the Pharmacy on Friday, August 10th; details on the show can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.