Garland Kelley – The Waters of Galilee (2024)
A musical philosopher, singer-songwriter Garland Kelley uses melodies to explore existential themes and concepts in a deeper, intimate and soul-stirring way. In his well-received single ‘Mortal’, he tackled the topic of futility and mundaneness of life, while ‘Give It All Away’ addresses materialism and overconsumption. Today, Kelley delves into “…the human condition and humans’ apparent need or desire for myth…” in ‘The Waters of Galilee’.
Technically myths are merely folklore, whether it be Gaelic, Greek, Roman or Nordic. From the mythical gods like Odin and Venus to the tales of Icarus, Echo, and the Greek Sirens; it’s all just stories – or is it? Tales, poems, stories, they all have a powerful place in our lives whether we know it or not. Narcissus’ fate is a warning of narcissism, while Icarus flew too close to the sun, Rumpelstiltskin personified the lust for power, and a phoenix rising from the ashes is rebirth. Somewhere deep down, we understand these dangers because of the stories we are told.
Now that I’ve bored you with my unnecessary knowledge of folklore, let’s get to Garland Kelley’s music.
Following the critically acclaimed ‘Livin’ It Up’, US-based Kelley shifts to a folk sound in ‘The Waters of Galilee’. Self-recorded and produced, the track has a sophisticated tone; however, the acoustic single has a haunting roughness oozing from its melody. It may be the skin-chilling tone of the acoustic guitar, or perhaps the raw vulnerability leaping from Kelley’s vocals – whatever it is, ‘The Waters of Galilee’ seems to creep under your skin and leave you gasping for breath.
Influenced by diverse styles and genres, Kelley’s eclectic nature presses forth as he traverses the musical spectrum. As with his previous work, ‘The Waters of Galilee’ is to be experienced and not merely heard. Confident and bold; warm and terrifying; soulful and subdued; the new single captures all emotions and twists them in a kaleidoscopic (although minimalistic) rush of music. I find myself listening to the tale in ‘The Waters of Galilee’ like a rapt child eager to hear each word and barely breathing from excitement.
Find out more about Garland Kelley on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk songs on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
