Fellow Camper - “Satellites” (ft. Meredith Moon)

Canada-based Fellow Camper have just released the gorgeous folk track, “Satellites,” featuring Meredith Moon. This is a song that is charmingly stripped-back. For me, it would have been so easy to add more and more layers to this song, such as electric guitar; however, this would have changed the song into a bloated, anthemic beast. Therefore, in my opinion, the restraint in the production is what makes it so great.

Built around warm and gentle acoustic guitar strums, you are immediately transported to a mellow and reflective place. As the song progresses, the layers that are added enhance this atmosphere whilst helping grow the dynamics of the arrangement. A subtle, dreamy synth pads “Satellites” as key sounds fade into the distance, thanks to the use of delay. Bass is added, giving the song a solid warm foundation while melancholic noises gently cry, heightening the song’s emotional resonance.

Percussion is introduced gradually, starting with the kick drum, to develop the song’s pulse. As the chorus grows in intensity, a tom groove is added, helping to provide a sense of growing intensity to the music. The vocals on “Satellites” are the true stars of the show. Despite the gentle, intimate nature of the performance, the music lends an emotional impact and a sense of growing intensity to the delivery. The three vocal layers elegantly blend with each other, creating a seamless yet rousing performance.

“Satellites” is simply a stunning folk track. The arrangement is stripped-back, yet highly impactful. The vocals of Fellow Camper and Meredith Moon feel like they were always intended to perform together.

-John Michie