As the year draws to a close, the time is nearly here for us bid farewell to 2023, and what better way to do so, than with South London independent duo, Arliston’s, most recent single release, “Thawed”. With its haunting sonic atmospheres and icy undertones, you will experience an immersive, full-bodied sound experience that will leave you longing for more.
“Thawed” welcomes listeners with resonant guitar riffs that set the tone for a phenomenal musical adventure from the very first note. Arliston’s distinctive harmonies envelop you in a soothing embrace, resulting in an ethereal and melancholic ambience that defines the characteristic soundscape of this the song.
The track is intriguing owing to the way they skilfully balance opposing factors and create a sense of polarity. Their goal was to create something unique for their release, and they were successful in doing so by creating an engaging single that draws listeners in and keeps them interested throughout. Syncopated rhythms give energy and guarantee that every moment can be fully experienced rather than just heard.
“Thawed” provides a lush yet melancholic finish to Arliston’s highly successful year that saw them release two EPs, including critically-acclaimed ‘How In Heaven.’ Additionally, the track was release through their own independent label, Sob Story Records.
The song is illuminated by vocalist Jack Ratcliffe, who sheds light on its themes of cyclical incarceration. Lyrically, they tackle both the negative portrayal of media and the need to flee in order to find solace. This results in a potent story that evokes a sense of unsettling claustrophobia.
Another layer is added by producer George Hasbury, who describes Arliston’s sound in Thawed as a cross between Americana and slow-moving British indie, demonstrating their ability to play around with their musical tastes and offer something new and unique to their discography. This shows that Arliston is willing to experiment with different musical genres that are ideally suited to one another, pushing the boundaries of sound and improving upon what they have previously offered.
The single was co-produced and recorded by Brett Shaw, who is well-known for his work with Florence and the Machine and The Foals. It is a monument to his careful craftsmanship. Every element stands out, from the stunning soundscape to the precise balance and contribution of each piece to the creation of the entire audio production.
Arliston have rounded out the year with an incredible, immersive experience with “Thawed”, filled with rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-bending innovation. We cannot wait for the 2024 sound of Arliston to reveal itself. In the meantime, “Thawed” is an exciting addition to your playlists.
You can find more of Arliston at:
You can listen to ‘Thawed’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.