Here is the lovely new single from Fearn, featuring the lyrics and vocal contribution of London-based singer Rob Quo. Layers of gentle percussion, brass and strings shimmer through an ethereal sonic soundscape, lifting Quo’s smooth voice, which is a gorgeously absorbing. The song was written in entirely separate rooms during the first lockdown but, despite this challenge, the collaboration is very effective. ‘Kites’ is an excellent example of lo-fi folk, a delicately understated and genuinely well-crafted song that engages immediately and remains with the listener afterwards. The poetic lyrics convey the burden of carrying memories and the overwhelming weight of the past: “It’s gathering again // The here & now and all the way back when.” Sensitively written, the words offer some light and hope towards the end of the song, looking forward to a time when: “…the memories are rising like a million kites that slowly climb up and away.” Holly Walker has created an artfully-edited video that perfectly mirrors the song’s themes, feeling like a series of hazy memories, dreamily nostalgic recollections of time spent immersed in beautiful landscapes, taking joy in the natural world. Think of it as a visual introduction to Fearn’s work.
Will Taylor is a UK-based songwriter and producer, releasing music under the musical moniker of Fearn. Taylor chose to use this name because the Gaelic word ‘fearn’ means ‘alder tree’, reflecting the link between his music and nature. He explains: “Exploring nature and the great outdoors is a huge part of my writing-process. I regularly find inspiration from walks across the hills and valleys of East Sussex. I enjoy the freedom and creativity of collaborating with other artists and include them in most tracks I write. I like to think of Fearn as a community.”
‘Kites’ is taken from a new EP, which we can expect in early 2023, alongside UK tour dates. It’s something to look forward to in the bleak midwinter. Check it out.
