he is tall. - “which way? which way?”
photo by Daniel Buchwald
Troels Thorkild Sørensen, aka he is tall., from Denmark, debuts at the blog with the sentimental indie folk track, “which way? which way?”
“which way? which way?” is a timeless, unpretentious song that could have been written at any point in time. Much in the same way as Paul Weller’s “Broken Stones” or Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” It is a beautiful record that proves that less if often more.
Despite its narrative around lost companionship and soul searching, “which way? which way?” has a rhythm section that imbues a relaxed late summer atmosphere. Every musical element is completely disarming from the squashy acoustic rhythm, gospel tingled keys and rounded bass. The song could have been slowed down into a meditative gem but the quietly purposeful drums bring a lush sense of clarity as if this is someone sitting alone in a park with their thoughts.
Vocally, the song is delivered with a tender light sense of vulnerability. It is a human performance where every phrase has a graceful, careful sense of restraint and nuance. This is a delivery that sits firmly in honesty and reflection over drama and release.
Filled with storytelling lyrics that are vivid and visual, “which way? which way?” starts where he is tall.’s single “i miss you and america” ended. Concluding the story of a friendship that ended on bad terms due to not being able to find the words to communicate difficult emotions.
he is tall. explains that this is a common theme amongst his Danish friends: “Even though we’ve known each other for more than 20 years, it’s still very rare that we speak about parts of life that hurt. In Danish, we would say we need a language for it. That fascinates me and frustrates me, and it’s something I explore in my music.”
“which way? which way?” is the sound of an artist who knows where they are going. It accepts the aftermath of a fractured friendship and moves on eyes open and with quiet dignity.