Charles Van Kirk - “James”
Photo by Cig Harvey
Maine-based Charles Van Kirk has just released the contemplative indie folk track, “James.” The track serves as an emotional tribute to his grandfather-in-law, who passed away while the he was on a cross-country bike tour and was unable to be with his family.
“James” is a reflective, textural delight, with splashes of instrumental colour that weave and shine vividly throughout the composition. Shades of Iron & Wine, José González, and Damien Jurado fall across this track in a simply wonderful fashion. Whether it’s the tender acoustic guitar that shimmers and weaves or the evanescent layers of strings that add a sense of elegance, every element contributes delightfully to this track’s emotional journey.
One of the real highlights is the magnificent swelling sound of the lap steel, which majestically evokes feelings of nostalgia, longing, and introspection in the almost ambient waves that flow across the composition. The piano, one of the more forceful elements, supports the piece with sustained tones, providing a contrasting yet strong anchor to the rhythmic groove.
The drums push the track forward with a tight but breezy sense of forward momentum. Melodic undertones are pleasingly woven by the upright bass, and when combined with the percussion at the crescendo, they permeate the track with an almost jazzy vibe.
The intimate vocals of Van Kirk are filled with a palpable sense of melancholy, which brings weight to the heartfelt and storytelling lyrics. There is also a slight otherworldly feel to the vocals that helps enhance the meditative atmosphere of the track. The harmonising layers that rise up over key areas bring a delightfully ethereal intensity, lifting the track gorgeously skyward.