Fiona Fiasco - “Wasteland”
Photo by Sabina Bösch
Fiona Fiasco, from Switzerland, returns to the blog with her second single, the serene indie folk track “Wasteland.”
This song is an exquisitely warm, slow waltzing track that snubs urgency. It beckons you to linger in a beautiful wasteland as Fiona Fiasco acts as a cartographer of desolation, sketching a landscape with mellow, and characterful sounds. From the start the intention is clear, this is all about atmosphere, patience and letting the textures seep into your skin.
“Wasteland” is centred around the loose strum of acoustic guitar and the passing layers of violin, flute, organ and piano that act as a welcome breeze. Pushed forward by the deliberate pulse of the bass and tender reassurance of the light drums. The music is immersive, unguarded and sublimely meditative.
As the track unfolds at its own weightless pace we arrive at sections of dusty, widescreen Spaghetti Western grandeur. But this is not the soundtrack to Sergio Leone’s close up shots of Clint Eastwood’s economical, calculating eyes. This is the walks and reflective psychological drift in between the tension.
Fiona Fiasco’s vocal is graceful, intimate and airy over the drifting, effortless instrumentation. It carries a cool, hypnotic quality which is reminiscent of Nico. Each phrase, which in places is lifted by sweet harmonies, is nothing short of enveloping as it speaks volumes without ever forcing emotion.
When looking at the whole landscape “Wasteland” there is an array of interesting comparisons that can be drawn from Julee Cruise, Joan Baez, Vashti Bunyan, Neil Young and the quieter moments of The Velvet Underground. Yet the composition never feels like a homage or imitation. It is unique and nothing short of sublime. Fiona Fiasco will release the EP Blue Rider, Blue Faced on February 27th.