“Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug – A Song Feature

 

      The piano isn’t complex, but it is powerfully effective in establishing the personality of “Purple Skies.” The single from Diamond Thug is simultaneously both calm and intense, both musically solemn and personally upbeat, and both minimalist and lush. In listening to the lyrics (included below) it was helpful to learn that the song was Inspired by the deep purple-pink sunsets of South Africa. So, “underneath the purple light” is a reference to the end of the day, when “a moonlit sky comes out to greet you.” While explaining the song, the band said:
  “’Purple Skies’ was written right at the beginning of the lockdown in South Africa… [The song] reflects on a silver lining that shone through the dark clouds. A song about coming to terms with the finite nature of our existence, and the fragility of our existence.’
 
     From the intro until near the song’s conclusion, the piano performs a key role in “Purple Skies.” But other instruments provide important contributions, including the cello, horns, guitar and percussion. Our favorite moment occurs at 2:05, when the single swells with the addition of orchestral instruments. Then, at the conclusion, the piano hands-off its hook to the plucking of strings.
 
     The members of Diamond Thug are Chantel Van T (vocals, keys), Danilo Queiros (bass, production), Adrian Culhane (guitar, synth, backing vocals, production), and Ted Buxton (drums). The Cape Town-based quartet describes itself as a Space Rock band. In one of the more insightful explanations of the use of a particular instrument, the band disclosed:
  "Danilo wrote the piano line in his apartment in Cape Town on a rainy Saturday. The left-hand is reminiscent of an old Romantic era Classical bassline, with a free-form right-hand melody that weaves in and out allowing space for more, saturated in a long-tailed reverb. Danilo sent the song to Chantel, who resonated with the mood instantly. It had been a time of contemplation, she kept staring into the deep purple-pink sunsets every evening. Contemplating how quickly life could change direction, how quickly it could end and found herself deeply saddened by the thoughts of losing those around her. As the sunsets passed, the fear of losing those around her lifted. With the end of every day, came a moment of intense beauty that only lasted a short time. Despite the short time that the sunsets lasted, the happiness they brought was significantly impactful to her.”

     “Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug – A Song Feature

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondthugSA/

Website: https://www.diamondthug.com/

Lyrics of “Purple Skies” by Diamond Thug
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
If I ever did meet someone
Like you upon this earth
I could only wonder
Who you might be
 
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
I’m not afraid
 
Underneath the purple light
The final light
In candlelight
A moonlit sky comes out to greet you
 
If I ever did meet someone
Like you upon this earth
I could only wonder
Who you might be
 
I’m not afraid
 
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore
But I’m not afraid
Anymore

"Sleep" by Lost Woods – A Song Feature

 

      Unlike too many other songs with praiseworthy percussion, the mixing of “Sleep” permits the listener to appreciate the drumming skill and drummer stamina. Still, the percussion is merely one contribution that draws attention to the song from Lost Woods. The guitars are clean and, at times, intricate. And the vocals are extraordinary, with the song designed to showcase the vocal abilities, As an example, the first two lines of the chorus start with a pronoun and a slight pause before the next word is forcefully stated – this is first executed at 1:56: 

I lay a rested man without a dream to show

I’ll take a lucid feeling even when it hurts

 

     Lost Woods is an Australian (Adelaide) band that includes two pairs of brothers. Twin guitarists Tom Baird and Sam Baird, and the driving rhythm section of Lucas Sly and Miles Sly, are joined by vocalist Peter White.

     "Sleep" by Lost Woods 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lostwoodsmusic/
Bandcamp: https://lostwoodsmusic.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of "Sleep" by Lost Woods
I missed the days where I could be someone else
A bizarre tale to lead without consequence
A dawning of a new day to find nothing but the night
Yearning for a tumble to remember on the other side
 
I’m left alone to pull apart what this means
Gone are the days of scattered humble petty dreams
I wake to feel a lesser man whose slipping out of time
Fumbling for directions to return to the other side
 
I lay a rested man without a dream to show
I’ll take a lucid feeling even when it hurts
An escape from what you are
I need a break to help me find what is right
I lay a rested man without a dream to show
 
I crave the hints I leave to find deep in the night
A place where the truth is worn like a badge of pride
I wake to feel a concerning feeling unfold
Holding onto people that you want to know
 
I lay a rested man without a dream to show
I’ll take a lucid feeling even when it hurts
An escape from what you are
I need a break to help me find what is right
I lay a rested man without a dream to show

"Fumes" by Grizfolk – A Song Feature

 

     “Fumes” carries the baton that was once held by an earlier single from the LA-based band Grizfolk. “The Struggle” talked about how you are often defined by the struggles you face and advised, “So say what you feel… Sometimes it's all that we got.” Now talking about their most recent single, Grizfolk explained:

  “’Fumes’ is a song made for the people. The ones that don't feel like they are being heard, the ones who feel lost and overseen. It's a voice for the voiceless. For those who want to speak up or take action but can’t. It's about overcoming fears and being confident to show your true self.”

 

     The execution of “Fumes” is as well-conceived as the lyrics. That is most apparent in the question-and-answer sequence. Twice in the first three minutes, pounding percussion and forceful instrumentation accompany the questions:

So, do you sing like no one is listening?
And do you dance like nobody’s there?
There’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
 

     In contrast, at 3:22 “Fumes” temporarily turns acoustic, the lyrics pivot to the first person pronoun, and the lines take on new meaning:

So I sing like nobody’s listening
And I dance like nobody’s there
Cause there’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
 

     Grizfolk is formed of Adam Roth (lead vocals, guitar), Sebastian Fritze (synthesizer, backing vocals), Fredrik Eriksson (guitar), and Bill Delia (drums). The official video for “Fumes” features Anthony Washington. Grizfolk is scheduled to release a self-titled album (their third album) on July 30 under Nettwerk Records. Our first opportunity to see the band live was at 2016 SXSW (picture included), where Grizfolk generated energy and buzz on the Pandora Stage.

     "Fumes" by Grizfolk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grizfolk
Website: https://www.grizfolk.com/

Lyrics of "Fumes" by Grizfolk
I feel the tension, rising water line
Afraid to mention, the truth this time
If we don’t speak now, no one’s winning
No one’s winning, no one’s winning
 
Can’t carry no more, can’t carry the weight no more
Can’t carry no more, can’t carry the weight no more
 
So, do you sing like no one is listening?
And do you dance like nobody’s there?
There’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
Can’t carry the weight no more
 
Can’t carry no more, can’t carry the weight no more [4x]
 
Sunday’s best dressed, last week’s dealings
Can’t make up for these heavy feelings
Yesterday’s business, heart still healing
Heart still healing
Heart still healing
 
So do you sing like nobody’s listening?
And do you dance like nobody’s there?
There’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
Can’t carry the weight no more
 
Can’t carry no more, can’t carry the weight no more [4x]
 
So I sing like nobody’s listening
And I dance like nobody’s there
Cause there’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
Can’t carry the weight no more
 
So do you sing like no one is listening?
Do you dance like nobody’s there?
Cause there’s a love that could be limitless
So why are we so scared?
Can’t carry the weight no more