Pinfeather - “Symbols & Signs”
Photo by Nick Ilott
International collaborators Marije De Vries, Masha Schenkel and Jeremy Johnson, aka Pinfeather, have brought their folksy charm to our blog with the delightfully stripped-back sounds of “Symbols & Signs.”
A bit of coastline foley gets things started before our ears are filled with the vibrant tones of a remarkably finger-plucked acoustic guitar. The vibe is authentic and somber, leaving room for the notes of a piano to rise to the surface through the cracks in the arrangement. If you listen closely, you will also be able to hear a soft, ethereal synth delicately padding the soundscape.
But where “Symbols & Signs” will completely win you over is in the vocal department. The lead lines are delivered by Johnson, whose soft and worn-in tenor weaves through the melody, wonderfully juxtaposed with the piano. And listeners do not have to wait long before the production is sensationally widened by the enchanting harmonies from De Vries and Schenkel, providing a fantastic, Staves-like performance that we simply cannot get enough of.
Around midpoint, the arrangement welcomes a minimalistic rhythm, featuring an organic beat and some deep notes from a bass. And while these additional sounds help to elevate the sonic space, the focus remains on the heavenly vocal performance(s), which, quite simply, will carry you far away from any vexation brought on by your earthly existence.
We have always been partial to songs that promote deep, introspective vibes and if you find that your wounded spirit is in need of a sonic embrace, do yourself a favor and press play on “Symbols & Signs.”