Amelia Coburn - “See Saw”
Photo by Michael Sreenan
UK-based indie folk artist Amelia Coburn has just released the hauntingly bewitching “See Saw.” Rich in childhood whimsicality, the track will transport you to a surreal carnival waltz with its exquisite melancholy and ominous tones.
“See Saw” opens to vivid, dreamlike textures that are reminiscent to a child’s music box. The animated sounds are built around flurries of ukulele, setting a wave-like rhythm. Punctuating this reflective melody is a vibraphone or glockenspiel-style instrument. The intriguing sounds ooze a delicate sense of tension whilst allowing Coburn’s vocals to breathe over the arrangement.
As the song progresses, drums provide forward momentum and a deep bass creates a dark foundation. Over the top, an unusual instrument is introduced, which sounds similar to the one used on Lalo Schifrin’s “The Danube Incident.” Debate on the internet still cannot decide if this is a Hungarian hammered dulcimer (cimbalom) or a Marxophone. This layer heightens contemplative and mysterious mood of the composition.
Over the chorus sections, the song elegantly transforms into a dazzling waltz. Key sounds evoke a sense of being at the circus or carnival as they melodically weave under this newfound groove. It is these whimsical splashes of instrumentation that make this song so striking. Coburn’s vocals are incredibly enchanting, sweet and expressive in delivery. The poetic lyrics are presented with a measured cadence, giving “See Saw” a wonderful sense of grace as if it was lifted from a 19th century Viennese waltz.
Taking inspiration from fairy tales and superstitions gathered on her travels, “See Saw” pairs the artist’s dreamy, childhood fascination around the magic of travelling carnivals with the supernatural controversy of Mikhail Bulgakov’s Soviet satire, The Master and Margarita.
“See Saw” is an enchanting and nostalgic track that gorgeously uses texture to transport you into another world. The track is taken from Amelia Coburn’s forthcoming debut album, which is set for release early next year.