California-based syrus (aka Syrus Aslam) is an enigmatic chap. No Spotify bio. No IG bio. His Bandcamp profile simply says, “I like making music”. OK, we get it – you’re a man of few words!
Luckily, his new single ‘those days’ does all the talking for him. The song is about looking back at times when you weren’t doing so well, and couldn’t even imagine living through the next day. It’s about realising how far you’ve come – that not everything is ok, but things are better now.
I loved the tactile sound of the guitars at the start. It’s a bright, optimistic start with lovely squeaks and arpeggios. The intricate guitars are quickly joined by crashing drums, and when the waves of vocals arrive they wash over the track with a slightly wonky dissonance. It gives the song a really interesting flavour, and adds a little hint of unease.
The lyrics drift through the track like like a summer breeze through the trees:
“under a lovely blue
gorgeous view
look how we grew”
The subtle piano chords and the strange, ghostly sounds that appear here and there are nice touches that almost go unnoticed. They add extra texture to the dream-like experience. Imagine indie-folk mixed with shoegaze and you’ll get the idea.
There are melancholic moments, but as it eagerly bursts from the speakers I think this feels like a track with a positive message.
Like diving into warm, electric-blue waters, ‘those days’ will surround you with its invigorating waves of melody, and when it’s over, you’ll feel like you’ve woken from a beautiful dream.
Written by Grubby
