Tides // Catching Flies ALBUM REVIEW
George King Aka Catching flies has released Tides just in time for a very nostalgic summer And although It’s been 5 years since his debut album “Silver Linings”, I still listen to “Satisfied” every week. This testament to the enchanting nature of silver linings is just as resonant in tides. Somehow despite the changes in genre the tracks seemingly blend into one another like old friends sharing a hug. They may have gone their separate ways, but that bond remains the same. One minute we’re in dream-like ambient bliss, reminiscing, and the other we’re dancing to latino inspired grooves, feeling everpresent.
“Gly”, released 2 years before tides is the second track, softly led into by “prelude”, which sets
the emotional tone for the album. “Gly” remains a stand out track to have on repeat, but other notable mentions include “Halo”, which caresses with beautifully delicate string harmonies and gentle xylophone riff’s that add cadence to the melancholic track. It’s very easy to understand the influence Catching Flies has had over other artists over the years, with remixes from DJ BORING, Sofia Kourtesis and Hot Chip.
“Snow day” and “Diamonds”, if I were to compare the album to seasons, would be Winter and Autumn respectively. Perhaps on the nose, but the piano melodies accompanied by warm - rosin fresh strings - give that cold and wet but next to the fire feeling.
“Magnolia”, With it’s oriental asian vocals and underlying soundscape incorporating what I believe is a lamellaphone, although I could be wrong, certainly stays true to the purity and spiritual symbolism associated with the flower. The following track “Friday Lake” will definitely see a lot of plays with it’s danceability and catchy vocals which provide sweet release, emotionally, from “Snow day” and “Diamonds”. “Orsay” develops upon “Friday Lake”, building initially before crashing into what I can only describe as the end of the high, the afterparty. A place seemingly so far away from the blissful lake party. Strings encompass and take over, layered upon each other. A time to reflect, I think.
“The Last Phone Call” que’s the conclusion of the album's tales. Initial spoken word scripted by George himself and shrouded by the melancholia and sadness that’s felt when leaving the night behind, returning from escapism to the sad truth of reality as the sun rises.
“Tides” Is acceptance. It’s sitting on the beach knowing you can’t change the tides. For that is not your role. Although I definitely know what George’s role is. 5 year’s suddenly doesn’t feel like a long time to wait once you’ve listened to Tides. We love you George.
