Surtsey - “Knot to Force”
Photo by Chris Bauer
From their forthcoming EP, Nothing Doing, Missouri-based farmers-market-rockers Surtsey are about to blow off your barn doors with “Knot to Force.”
They describe their sound as “y’allternative” and “americ-kinda,” but please do not allow their modesty to fool you– “Knot to Force” was only released a few days ago and has already amassed streams galore. The reason for this is quite simple: these guys know how to write a killer tune.
An acoustic guitar gets things started, lo-fi and unassuming as it pounds out the bones of the track. Some thick bass shortly follows, then one of many delightful layers of shimmering guitar. The main vocal emerges, quite delicate in nature as it traverses the “general human existence of adapting to life’s challenges and reflecting on one's current perception in the moment.” We are immediately fans.
It is not long before the layers of vocal harmonies come pouring into the arrangement, elevating “Knot to Force” to an epic level of exemplary. A few more band members also show up, widening the production with a beefy, vintage-tinged beat, more layers of guitar than we can count, and the crown jewel of all folksy instruments: the pedal steel. Combined, these elements create a concoction that is sure to enchant anyone within earshot.
If that were not enough, “Knot to Force” comes complete with wondrous moments of dynamic variation: a fantastic highlight on the steel, which has brought us back for listens, and the ensuing breakdown that buys us all a bit of time to tend to our melted faces. Looking over Surtsey’s previous releases, it is no surprise that they have garnered millions of streams. And if “Knot to Force” is indicative of what the rest of Nothing Doing will behold, we cannot wait to hand over our money upon its release.
“Knot to Force” was recorded at Native Sound by David Beeman • Mixed by Ben Majchrzak • Mastered by Andy Tanz • Cover art by Aaron Essner • Connect with Surtsey on the socials: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp
-HD