From the moment that YEV’s voice soars at the beginning of his new single ‘Witness’, there is a sense of an epic unfolding. There are moments of quiet, the instrumentation paused before launching back in; there’s the sound of bells and the raised voices and harmonies of a choir – all contributing to the drama of this anthemic release. YEV’s vocal performance is a flawless, incredible demonstration of his range, those high notes truly reaching the heavens. The intensity of this anthem matches the seriousness of its subject matter – ‘Witness’ is a song of resilience, written for the people of Ukraine, exploring themes of resistance and remembering for those whose lives have been lost in this conflict, must not be forgotten. Equally dramatic is the accompanying video, directed by Anders Øvergaard, which creates a tense, dark atmosphere with its images of fire and shadows and the faces of the fallen flickering.
A number of songs on YEV’s debut album were inspired by the stories of veterans and the displaced in Ukraine. Touching narratives of loss and hope, full of raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics, are delivered in cinematic style with lush arrangements and soaring instrumentation. Blending musical genres, including folk rock, blues and pop, YEV creates complex, layered soundscapes that reflect his narratives and themes. YEV’s own story as a Ukrainian American has influenced his writing – the search for belonging and cultural identity have been part of his own immigrant journey and are reflected here in his thoughtful, sensitive songwriting. Be absorbed, and look out for the new album.
