Sir Was – Holding On To A Dream

Description

sir Was new album “Holding on To a Dream is a mesmerising twisting of genres – from classic soul and old-school hip-hop, to beautifully fresh pop structures. The new record is dense with ideas and adventurous, a sonic-leap forth. I was interested in having a lusher sound, more rich, Wstberg says. With the first record I had this idea that I wanted it to sound like an old vinyl record. I wanted this lo-fi, old-school sound. When I realized that I was actually making another album, I felt a bit scared of the whole thing, but it didnt take me that long to realise that the only thing I could do was to make something that felt really right in my body and soul. Ive realised that theres nothing to be afraid of. Im ready to explore so much more.

The sense of exploration resonates throughout the album and can be defined by its start and end points. Opening track Fly Away begins the expedition, a gleaming reflection of past insecurities as a jump-off point for the next chapter, all subtle beats and stark bursts of guitars that leap out of the mix. The records boldest moment is reserved for Deployed, a collaboration with Little Dragons Yukimi Nagano. Beautifully bright and sincere, Deployed is a perhaps the most vivid pop song that sir Was has released to-date. Elsewhere, No Giving Up is a tender recollection of a past relationship, set to an equally affectionate composition, a glowing example of Wstbergs growing songwriting skills, while The Sun Will Shine showcases another side of Joels skillset, a playful production full of inspired ideas and nuances; a Les Fleurseque mellow breeze in the heat of the summer.

A heartfelt accounting of relationships, of knowing when to let go and when to fight for them, Holding On To A Dream, is a dreamy, groovy, lustrous treat of a record.

Tracklist

1. Fly Away
2. No Giving Up
3. Deployed (feat. Little Dragon)
4. No More Separation
5. The Sun Will Shine
6. Somewhere
7. Lean into This
8. Speak Up
9. Trust
10. See U Again
11. Pin Me Down