Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Ian Roland – Living In Sound (2024)

In an interview with The Other Side Reviews last year, Ian Roland explained that “music is life, really”, and he shares this sentiment through every track. Filled with raw emotion and passionate energy, singer-songwriter Roland ensnares your senses and you’re intoxicated without realising what just happened. Based in the UK, Roland performs as a solo act, but when joined by bassist Dave Coomber takes the stage as a duo. While the pair is fantastic, his records reach another dimension incorporating strings, piano and drums. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Living In Sound’.

Following his critically acclaimed full-length album The Wood Wide Web, ‘Living In Sound’ is a breath of vintage folk-rock sliced by modern-day indie-folk sensibilities. Laidback, soothing and gentle, Ian Roland leads you into a sonic forest surrounded by hazy mist. In harmonic unity, James Chapman’s drums meld with Dave Coomber’s bold bass, a smattering of Mishkin Fitzgerald’s piano and a flood of Roland’s guitar. Simon Yapp’s strings shimmer in the background adding a bright fluttering of fireflies into the forest.

While the melodic symphony is moving embracing you with a giant hug, it is Roland’s vocals that navigate the forest. Rich and warm, his dulcet tones create a comfortable bubble; however, the comfort is not all about happy smiles and given goodness. A song about perception, reality and the difficulties facing us, ‘Living In Sound’ challenges the status quo with enthusiasm. ‘Living In Sound’ is profound and serious but the overall execution inspires optimism, empowerment and hope. Roland explains:

“We are all ‘living in sound’, wanting the chance to not only just exist but to live equally valued lives in tune with our environment. This song is about still having the strength to believe. It is about singing in chorus with our natural environment and each other and in doing so, forming a new reality.”


In addition to the single, Ian Roland released an official music video for ‘Living In Sound’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel.



Find out more about Ian Roland on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


Listen to more indie-folk music on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:

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