Firs
Self-released
(2009)
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Conceived during a walk on the streets of Edinburgh, Firs’ “New Hope In Soft Light” recounts the more delicate moments of Air or Sigur Rós. Melancholy piano, soft violin and ambient flourishes gently build up to an arrangement that brings to mind two of Jonathan D. Haskell’s inspirations for the track: Mullholland Drive and malt scotch. The song is the perfect soundtrack to the darkened corners and pathways of hillside Los Angeles. Its mood is ponderous, and while the song never quite takes off toward a climax, it sustains its mood throughout its duration. Haskell apparently conceived the song while considering his love-hate relationship with Los Angeles, and that sentiment definitely shows. Both the original track and remix express a romanticized and cinematic view of the city—we are made to both marvel at its beauty while regarding it skeptically for its cynical hucksterism. In distilling that confusion about the city, Haskell understands well that appreciating Los Angeles does not come without its compromises. As much as you love L.A., you can recount several reasons to hate it just as deeply.

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http://firs.tv/

http://www.myspace.com/quietfirs

via Abe Ahn, 13 August 2009 9:04am | |