Daniel Trakell - “Into the Blue”

Photo: Asia Taylor

Melbourne-based Daniel Trakell last appeared on our blog back in May, with “Folk Song #2,” but he’s back today with more of that sweet, intimate, and heartfelt sound in the elegantly folksy “Into the Blue.”

When it comes to modern folk music, Trakell is the real deal. The sound that he crafts is raw as all hell and it is not at all difficult to imagine it being performed live, as there is simply no evidence of digital manipulation. “Into the Blue” offers more proof to that effect, beginning with the dark tones of an acoustic guitar, gently strummed as it sets the stage for Trakell’s soft and soothing vocal. Part of the appeal, for us, is the way that his voice often finds the same, sweet tones as Gregory Alan Isakov, forever one our favorites.

The first half of the song is spent in a very intimate, guitar and vocal production, with magnificent moments of harmonies that will cause you to lean into the sound. But as the track continues, more elements are added, such as a vibey electric guitar, some thick notes from a bass, and gentle percussion to push the whole thing forward. We even detect some lap steel in the distance, which is, by far, one of the greatest ethereal instruments we’ve ever encountered. But a major highlight is the direction the song shifts in its final third, with a symphonic melody that is sure to land it some sync deals.

We were even more pleased to hear that Trakell’s inspiration for “Into the Blue” was the film, Into the Wild, likely one of the best book-to-movie adaptations we’ve ever seen, and, without a doubt, one of the greatest films of 2007. But listeners will become completely enchanted in the way that Trakell uses his voice to navigate the ideas of venturing out into the unknown and shedding the fear that often comes with taking risks. Of course, this song could be about anything and we would still be featuring it here– yes, it’s that good. Press play and see for yourself.

-HD