Sasha & the Bear - “Lake Sommen”
Originally formed in Brooklyn, NY, we are fairly convinced that Sasha & the Bear can safely say that they now reside inside of our hearts. Their music is ethereal and emotional and the duo have a gift for taking minimal sounds and presenting them as though they are a full-fledged production.
The duo is comprised of two friends Sasha Daniel (singer, songwriter, and producer) and Dov Igel (songwriter, producer, and singer). After meeting and briefly making music for awhile in 2016, they focused on other projects until the loss of Igel’s mother brought them together again. The duo then traveled to Scandinavia together, finding newfound inspiration for music and using minimal equipment to record some new material, like “Lake Sommen.” And we’d like to thank you for coming to our TED Talk on the history of Sasha & the Bear, but now let’s discuss their music.
They pitched “Lake Sommen” to us as though it were a folk song, but it is much more than that. And that is not to devalue folk music– if you’ve been reading the blog, you know that we’re all about it– but this track is one of those rare recordings that feels more like a secret that a stranger is revealing to you. Daniel’s vocal will immediately grab your attention, and the soft, ghostly harmony is just as remarkable. About 45 seconds in, the song suddenly shifts away from its folkiness with a dark, poppy beat and melody that bring simultaneous feelings of wonder and fear– a genuine sensation of melancholy as it wraps itself around your ears. But just as you’re about to be crushed beneath the weight of it, the song retreats and a sympathetic vocal returns with: “I wish I could find shelter in your arms.” And the next thing you know, you’re a fan. See for yourselves:
Obligatory Spotify link:
-TM