Virens - “Salut!”
Photo: Louisa Tratalos
“Salut!” is the debut single from Virens, an alt-folk duo from London. It is unusual and I really like it. Here is what I thought…
“Salut!” is a captivating and dynamic song that takes the listener on an almost psychedelic journey. The song starts off with a female vocal and a finger-picked acoustic guitar, which draws you in with its tone, but does not let you settle. The first chorus enters quickly with ethereal synth sounds that stereo pan… and a mellotron pad that adds texture, creating a dreamy and atmospheric feel. A male vocal joins they work together seamlessly and really lift up the feel of the song over the chorus.
As the song progresses, the drums start to pulse and the male vocal sings the next verse. The lyrics are recited in an almost old English way, with a unique rhythm that adds to the song’s charm. By the second chorus, I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening, as I knew more twists were coming.
The break in the middle is delightfully massive, with rising synths that I can only describe as Jeff Wayne-like, shouts of “Salut!” and “la la la’s” that build towards a mini climax. For the third verse, both the male and female voices sing together, creating a beautiful harmony. The way this song just gets bigger and bigger is truly impressive and when it reached the end, I played it again!
I honestly cannot believe this song is only 2:32 seconds, it feels like a mini epic. “Salut!” is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates well-crafted music that is unusual and bleeds into the psychedelic genres. The group says: “Salut is about two people unsure where their relationship is heading but they know it’s somewhere magical…and that’s worth toasting to!”