Directions
Second single release of Charcoal Fire.
Together with Arise our second single, Directions, marked a significant turning point, steering us toward a captivating melodic metal style. Allow me to take you on a journey through our musical odyssey:
Our musical venture started with a blend of alternative rock and metal. It was a reflection of the influences that sparked our passion for music in the first place. Our early compositions bore the mark of these genres, but as musicians, we were destined for growth and evolution.
Arise and Directions were conceived almost simultaneously, born from a shared creative wellspring. While both songs emerged together, Arise took the lead and became our debut single. Initially, we considered compiling a collection of songs for an EP, but our eagerness to share new music with our audience led us to release Arise without delay.
Directions had its origins in a simple synthesizer loop, a musical fragment that captured our imagination. What began as a brief, enchanting loop evolved into the distinctive music box sound that now opens the song. This captivating introduction symbolizes the fluidity of life's themes and the need to chart new directions.
Our admiration for Wintergatan, renowned for their Marble Machine and innovative musical creations, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Directions. The introduction of their virtual music box instrument, Speldosa, via KLEVGR., resonated deeply with our musical vision. It was a homage to a cherished sound and a testament to the eclectic influences that inspire our music.
Directions achieved a milestone that every band dreams of — a press review. SYLB, an online magazine, likened our sound to the renowned Canadian band Borealis. The review specifically highlighted the exceptional vocal performances of my bandmate and brother Jonathan and myself, along with praise for our "fine guitar riffing." It concluded with recognition of our ongoing evolution as songwriters. Reading those words was a spine-tingling moment that underscored the significance of our musical journey.
Crafting Directions demanded a delicate balance, harmonizing synthesizer elements with powerful guitar sections. Our aim was to create a unified and emotionally resonant sound that felt organic and immersive, steering clear of any artificial or overly technical qualities.
Arise and Directions each had their moment in the spotlight. While Arise enjoyed a warm reception from our audience, Directions earned the distinction of a favorable press review. These diverse reactions provided valuable insights into the unique qualities of each song and laid the foundation for our future musical endeavors.
Directions carries a poignant message of hope and resilience. It serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, we have the power to set new directions in our lives. The lyrics of the song are a beacon of optimism, offering solace and inspiration to forge ahead.
The cover artwork is based on a AI generated artwork that was heavily altered by me to fit our ideas. (under CC BY-NC 4.0)
