Fellow Hollow - “Alder”
Fellow Hollow from the USA have just released the wonderfully reflective “Alder,” a song that blends folk beautifully with indie rock.
The song has a great deal of really beautiful textures, which help create a mellow yet often haunting atmosphere. This is one of the many great contrasts. Others include the full, slow-pulsing chorus sections to the more reflective and intimate verses. The song opens with an almost lo-fi/dissonant sounding piano hook, which instantly gives the track a slightly moody character. Layers are added, changing the mood, like the swaggering drums or the deep bass. The acoustic guitar adds a warm layer of texture, whether through chords or hypnotic fingerpicking patterns. Just as the atmosphere gains a sense of bright wonder, melancholic tinges creep in, like the backwards sounds that pull the listener back to the more introspective verses.
The lead vocal of the song remains gentle and light throughout as it delivers the poetic lyrics. The layers of backing vocals harmonize wonderfully, stretching up to airy falsetto tones to create a moody and beautifully turbulent atmosphere. Fellow Hollow give us one last contrast as we enter the last third of the song, highlighting their great skill for song craftsmanship. The bridge gives us a warmer resolution to the moodier tones whilst still maintaining a sense of longing.
“Alder” is a song full of great musical textures and contrasts, taking the listener on an introspective and melancholic journey. Fellow Hollow make sure that we are left with a sense of wonder in the enchanting final section. The song is the first single from their forthcoming new album, which will be released this summer.