Oropendola – “Knocking Down Flowers”
“Knocking Down Flowers,” by Oropendola, is a clever and minimalistic composition that showcases the artist’s ability to blend unusual foley sounds and textures to create a unique and immersive listening experience. There are, for me, hints of all sorts of acts, from Acid Casuals to Air. The breathy synths’ foley create a lush and dreamy soundscape that sets the tone for the rest of the song. It captures a mood– something carefree, but also something deeply memorable. There is spirit. The percussion’s rhythm is gentle and bounces along nicely, complemented by occasional splashes of synth sounds. Again, no sound is there for too long to become the centrepiece. The vocal delivery of Oropendola is carefree and dreamy, perfectly suited for the overall mood of the song. The bass is deep and minimal, providing a solid foundation, yet matching the lyrics and reflecting something that isn’t permanent. The middle section of violins and soaring backing vocals creates a sense of euphoria and adds a cinematic quality to the track. This, for me, was a highlight and really displayed the range of Oropendola’s voice. Overall, “Knocking Down Flowers” is a creative and well-crafted song that is worth a listen.
The artist says: “There is a certain type of pleasure, and comfort, gleaned from inhabiting liminal space. Suspended in mid-air, everything takes on a bit of a hazy, yet tantalizing, glow. You are just of this moment, no obligation to the past or future. Not quite here, not quite there, you don’t have to choose. If you don’t have to choose, you don’t have to make the wrong choice. If you knock down the flowers before they bloom, you don’t have to watch them wilt.” “Knocking Down Flowers” is the first single from Oropendola's debut album.