Here’s the latest single from Oscar-winning duo Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová, also known as The Swell Season. With gently insistent percussion, Irglová’s atmospheric keys and sweeping strings from Marja Gaynor on violin and viola Bertrand Galen on cello, there’s a rich, full sound, which elevates Hansard’s gorgeous, tuneful vocal performance. The video, produced by James Del and Anthony Mulcahy, was recorded during a surprise gig at New York bar Scratcher. It’s a joy to watch the spellbound crowd as Hansard and Irglová demonstrate their masterful musicianship.
The duo say of the song: “In any situation of letting go, moving on is clearly the right and natural thing to do. This song speaks to that part of us that can’t quite get there. The moment just before complete acceptance.” As ever, it’s thoughtful, sensitive songwriting; ‘Stuck in Reverse’ is absorbing, heartfelt and, like previous singles, is truly moving for the listener.
This is from the pair’s long-awaited first album in 16 years. The new eight-song collection, “Forward”, was produced by Sturla Mio Thorisson and recorded in Iceland alongside new band member Piero Perelli on percussion and original The Swell Season musicians Marja Gaynor and Bertrand Galen on glorious-sounding strings and Joseph Doyle on bass. Irglová says: “It felt right to title the record “Forward” because it’s a reunion of sorts, but we’re not going backwards. Both of us have grown and changed; we’re in different places and getting to know each other again as the new people we’ve become.” This is gorgeous stuff. Check it out.
