Desert Life – Sphere (2023)
Hailing from Pembrokeshire, multi-instrumentalists Chris Swales and Tom Jordan ensnare the masses with their fusion of indie-folk, rock and tinges of pop. Desert Life as we know it today is the brainchild of Swales with Jordan entering the mix later; however, the ebb and flow of members brought music colleagues Steve and Andy Williams and session drummer Jack Beddis leaving their mark for future sounds as they came and went. In the past few years, Jordan and Swales have stood up as one of the more exciting folk-infused duos reaching international audiences with poetic lyricism, hard-hitting melodies and an all-engaging sonic intoxication.
Following their well-received tracks ‘Tangled Light’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’, ‘Sphere’ continues Desert Life’s poetic exploration of complex human emotions and experiences. Using personal narratives, Swales intimately connects with audiences through tender lyricism. Yet, while the rhymical lines blend elegantly with the suave arrangement, the poignant message behind the words almost screams in its demure way. Capturing feelings of terror, anxiety, fear, despair, conflict, turmoil and the gut-wrenching grasp of your chest triggered by constant worrying, Swales and long-time collaborator Brian Mackenzie creates a chasm of soul-stirring intensity.
“’Sphere’ is a delve into anxiety and how the night can trigger increased fear and worry. It was written during the pandemic when I witnessed how some friends struggled with their mental health. The song is an observation about others, it also captured my own memory of when I have been in a similar situation…” – Chris Swales on ‘Sphere’
The ultimate drowning sensation of lying awake at night to merely worry until dawn is found in Swales’ vulnerable vocals, yet the instrumentation carries you across the tune. Recorded and produced at Studio 49 with producer Nick Swannell, a whimsical weaving of Swale’s guitar, Jordan’s e-bow, and Huw Rees on the drums and percussion exists in ‘Sphere’.
One of the more intriguing elements in ‘Sphere’ is the veil of languid, soft, soothing music atop a whirlpool of panic. Smooth in its sophisticated calmness, you flow along in a smile-inducing haze; however, fearfulness insists on a haunting beyond the melodic charm.
In addition to the single, Desert Life released an official music video for ‘Sphere’. You can view the video below or via their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from Desert Life, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more indie-folk tracks on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:
