Arthur Squawks – Heroes (2023)
Described by notable publications as “…gorgeous contemplation and soaring ardency…” (News Break) and “…absolutely left us wanting more…” (We Write About Music), Arthur Squawks is a collective in the form of a birdlike humanoid sharing stories with natural storytelling skills. This is my introduction to Arthur Squawks, but their music has reached beyond their UK borders featuring on Iggy Magazine, Mystic Sons, News Break, Obscure Sounds, and Less Than 1000 Followers. Come with us as we delve into their discography with the EP, Heroes.
Part 1 of the collective’s debut EP, Heroes, Limerence, and Scooters, the two-track teaser (Heroes) drags us back to old-school folk with contemporary indie-folk flair. Opening with ‘I’m Yours’, Arthur Squawks draws together the raw attitude of Johnny Cash with a light tinge of Mumford and Sons. Yet, while a strong folk influence is evident in ‘I’m Yours’, the crescendo into a rock guitar solo leads us out of the track – a powerful but simultaneously soothing outro.
Moving quickly onto the next single ‘Lament for a City Night (for T.S.)’, Arthur Squawks enhance the indie-folk tone with a heavier rock sound. An intriguing arrangement of guitars, drums, and bold vocals builds a heart-pumping melody. Interestingly enough, just as with ‘I’m Yours’, the boldness of the instrumentation (including the vocals) includes a soothing sensation beneath the frantic noise. A soft vulnerability slices through the music as the dulcet tones carry you along in a whimsical ambience. What I find intriguing is how there is a simplistic delicacy to the music but still a kaleidoscopic quality throughout the EP.
While both melodies can hold their own as charming, charismatic tunes, it is the storytelling that highlights the intimate depth of Arthur Squawks. The artist explains that “’I’m Yours’ is what I’ve often jokingly called my only true love song. It is based on the notion that one can only love authentically once they realise their own mortality. ‘Lament for a City Night (for T.S.)’ is an ode to all my heroes…a frantic journey through my creative process while watching the day break from a city rooftop.”
Profound, sentimental and sincere, Arthur Squawks tantalises our tastebuds with the EP, Heroes. I have but one complaint about Heroes – the songs are too short and we desire more!
For more from Arthur Squarks, check out their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
