Michael Simon Armstrong - “Waterfront”
Michael Simon Armstrong once again appears on the blog with “Waterfront,” a tune that elegantly grasps the heartbeat of modern folk music. This is the fourth single that we’ve highlighted from his upcoming LP, which features a host of guest performances, including that of Tyler Chester, Michael Blasky, and Kyle Crane.
“Waterfront” begins extremely lo-fi, as though a recording made on the fly with an acoustic guitar– the kind of sound you get from an artist who utilizes the voice memos of his smart phone in order to ensure that no idea is ever lost or forgotten. However, once the vocals appear, it is not at all difficult to understand that this song has been carefully crafted, with each line doubled and akin to the glory of Sufjan Stevens and/ or Elliott Smith– two exemplars of the genre, according to the entire universe.
From there, the production begins to expand, growing into an ethereal, atmospheric arrangement, complete with some piano before elevating with some soft, yet driving percussion. The hook contains some fantastic falsetto and some very subtle harmonies that will surely have everyone coming back for multiple listens. The second verse gives your ears some pulses of a synth and, after listening to this song all afternoon, we keep coming back with more instruments to include in this review.
But it’s the layers of vocals are what seal the deal for us. With all of the peaks and valleys of this performance, the complete and total attention of every listener is practically guaranteed. “Waterfront” is another reason to get your hands on the record as soon as it becomes available, and if you’ve never heard Michael Simon Armstrong before this moment, prepare to add a new name to your list of favorite folk artists.
-TM