Sun Way Street - ‘Planted Heart’
Image provided by Sun Way Street
Sun Way Street, the Irish / American duo comprised of Steven Eli and Leor Manelis, have returned with their new LP, Planted Heart, so we took a look at two songs from this brilliant record.
“Planted Heart,” the album’s title track, was conceived from an idea Steven had after losing someone suddenly last year. The song depicts standing at the grave, where tears fall from his eyes onto the ground, touching their heart, and growing a beautiful flower.
The song captures this sentiment through an elegantly sparse arrangement that allows the emotions of vulnerability and reflection to soar, as if being performed in a heavenly cathedral. A gently strummed acoustic guitar instills a delicate warmth, holding the track together, while the bass tenderly provides a heartbeat of depth to the composition, and light percussion adds a subtle sense of contemplative forward momentum.
It is through the ambient, spacious touches of electric guitar and the sensitive layers of violin that makes this track truly irresistible. The guitar shimmers majestically and meditatively, while the violin increasingly intertwines lifting the composition into what feels like a cinematic crescendo. Vocally, we are treated to a soulful yet hauntingly fragile performance. Surrounded by soft layers of harmonies the song is deeply melancholic, introspective, and intimate. The song is simply beautiful.
Next up, “Light up the Sky” lyrically focuses on “being true to yourself, embracing who you are inside, and learning to love yourself.” This track contrasts by adopting a more driven and anthemic vibe. While there are moments of intimacy, reflection, and vulnerability, the brilliant use of percussion weaves an irresistible thread of uplifting empowerment throughout.
Musical layers are thoughtfully added, shifting confidently as if mirroring the personal transformation in the narrative. Whether it’s the dreamy waves of electric guitar, warm bursts of acoustic rhythm, or the piano that accentuates the emotion, each texture is simply sublime. The emotional peaks of the track are once again punctuated by the grandeur of strings that rousingly weave throughout.
Anchoring the evolving layers is the rootsy, honest, and passionate vocal that adds a true sense of heart. In many ways, the performance is reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen. With earworm-like backing vocals, you’ll find this song hard to resist.
These tracks are taken from Sun Way Street’s new album, Planted Heart, which is out now. You can also preorder a copy of the LP on vinyl here.