Ramnäs + Soft Crystals - “Hey”
Photo by Robin van Smirren
Swedish Ramnäs and British Soft Crystals have just released the melancholic, yet funky dream pop track “Hey.”
“Hey” is the second collaboration from Ramnäs and Soft Crystals and opens to a drum beat that sets a chilled, slick groove. This rhythm section locks in tightly as the bass enters. It warmly and funkily pulsates, making the sway of this track irresistible. The reflective atmosphere is consolidated by dreamy, shimmering electric guitar that melts mellow chords into the composition.
As the track progresses, the electric guitar begins to weave melodically, helping to grow the track’s dynamics. Additional percussion, such as shakers and drum fills, are deployed to give the track a shifting sense of ear candy. These layers are thoughtfully utilized, creating a pleasing sense of ebb and flow.
The vocals on “Hey” have a meditative and melancholic intimacy. The gentle performance is expressive and beautifully tinged with emotion. In all the right places, breezy reverb coated supporting vocals exquisitely lift the performance with a sense of space and depth. Lyrically, “Hey“ expresses the frustrations that can be felt when navigating the mental health care industry. The track touches on “depression, loneliness, and the devastating effect mental illness can have on friends and families.”