Carpe Diem – Airborne (2023)
Inspired by life in its totality, duo Carpe Diem pushes us to explore our existential realm with cinematic sounds. This is my introduction to the Hong Kong-based duo, but they have already entranced listeners with energetic live shows and meaningful studio releases. From gigs at hotels, bars and venues like the Fringe Club, to regular airplay and rave reviews from curators, Keith (guitar) and Ada (vocals) are turning heads across the globe. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Airborne’.
Following their singles ‘Twist In The Wind’ and ‘Pixie Dust’, Carpe Diem tip their hat to Irish band The Cranberries, particularly with Ava’s haunting vocals. Opening ‘Airborne’ with an acoustic guitar backed by children laughing, Carpe Diem introduces us to the carefree days of childhood when being “lost in the clouds” without any. Unfortunately, adulthood tosses us out of the bubble of irresponsibility – the song is about those who prefer to stay up there. Carpe Diem explains:
“’Airborne’ sets like a movie scene in a desert, sitting in a hot air balloon reaching the clouds in an ivory tower. The song is a song singing to those people living in the ivory tower and out of touch with the real world. Are they truly asleep or just pretending in order to avoid confronting reality? Well, you never know. Perhaps, they just don’t want to be aware…”
A collaborative single with Bryan Kam (bass), Alexander Shirazee (percussion), Dannis Lai (keyboard), and a special guitar solo by Keith’s guitar mentor Eric Mo, Carpe Diem finds a balance between acoustic and electric instruments in this simplistic melody. While the arrangement has a stark, bare-bones sound, each instrument not only captures an aspect of the intricate theme but contributes to the kaleidoscopic twirl of ‘Airborne’.
The acoustic guitar connects with percussion representing childish joviality and whimsy. Yet, each of the electronic instruments stands as reality knocking at the door, chiding them as the protagonists remain in wistfulness despite their age. The guitar solo as an outro encapsulates the need for people to “hit reality” but identifies this as “a never-ending process continuously conveying messages to the sky”.
Find out more about Carpe Diem on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
