The Firefolk - “Girlfriend”
Photo by César Ramos
From Pennsylvania, Evan Henry Charles, aka The Firefolk, has just released the striking indie folk track, “Girlfriend.”
The first thing that strikes you about “Girlfriend” is how natural and how unhurried everything is. The track is built around a simple but incredibly effective textural pallet, where the effect of reverb elevates the composition into a richly embroidered soundscape. The lush, mellow groove of acoustic guitar, earthy, walking-paced push of the drums, warm pulse of the bass, and atmospheric keys ebb and flow into cathedral-like beauty with an elegant sense of ease.
The vocal is strikingly atmospheric across the track as it weaves a beautifully authentic emotional arc. Starting from intimate, almost conversational tones, you will soon find yourself lost in the soaring, immersive melodies.
Musically, “Girlfriend” evolved into a fully developed song during the early stages of a new relationship. Charles travelled to Montreal to collaborate with Tyler Neil Johnson (John Vincent III, Freyr, and Austin Basham) on a five-song project, recorded with vintage equipment in a historic studio previously used by Arcade Fire. The track features Charles on vocals and guitar, Johnson as producer, and session drummer Robbie Kuster, a seasoned percussionist known for his work with Patrick Watson.
Reflecting on the song's origins, Charles shared: “‘Girlfriend’ started as a vocal warm-up for me. It was something I would sing before gigs, and gradually, structure and lyrics began to emerge. It became a reflection of those vulnerable moments at the start of a relationship when everything feels possible but also uncertain.”
With soaring harmonies and jubilant, wide-open melodies “Girlfriend” is an exquisite glimpse of The Firefolk’s forthcoming new upcoming EP. Connect with The Firefolk: Spotify | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook