Laika Songs is one of the musical monikers of New York-based songwriter Evan Brock.
‘Visitor’ is a track taken from his upcoming 2nd album, but it is not a single – think of it more as a preview track – the literal 1st song on the record.
There’s a gentle introduction to the song, which sets the scene really well. A slow fade-in to layered, plucked melodies which combine like a delicate clockwork mechanism.
Evan’s vocal feels close, with a pure tone and minimal FX. Subtle harmonies add a nice depth. There’s a simple melodic motif that runs through the whole track like a golden thread.
The bass takes a while to appear, which emphasises its warmth when it does. The drums arrive even later, adding a kind of optimistic momentum and energy.
The song seems to talk about the bittersweet clarity of self-reflection. On being a temporary traveller returning to a place, or perhaps a time:
I once tried to stop it
Back when I knew how
See myself changing
I know better how I’m feeling.
That final line is repeated like a mantra of quiet revelation. Vocals swirl around us, reaching a crescendo before falling back, and everything drops away.
The messages in ‘Visitor’ are almost whispered in its soft tones and flowing melodies. It has a wonderfully serene, dream-like quality that wraps you in a soft embrace and makes for a very intriguing 1st track on Laika Song’s upcoming sophomore album.
That album, ‘I Can Feel An Ending’, will be released on December 5th.
‘Visitor’ is available now at Bandcamp.
Written by Grubby
