Julie Arsenault - “Tiny Beam of Light”

Photo by Wynne Neilly

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julie Arsenault has arrived just in time for us to say goodbye to summer with the folksy sounds of her new release: “Tiny Beam of Light.”

The slow and steady beat that begins this number completely sets the vibe for the ensuing vintage-imbued arrangement. An organ drones in the distance as some piano keys melodically chime, making way for the sweet, reverberating sounds of the retro-steeped lead guitar. It is at this point that “Tiny Beam of Light” really grabs ahold of its listener, with a texture that is slightly reminiscent of Santo & Johnny.

As Arsenault begins her brilliant vocal delivery, we are, again, washed in the sounds of the late 1950s, as her voice is raw and unscathed by modern production maneuvers. From her breathy lower register to the magnificence of the higher notes, we have become immediate fans. Further cementing this fact are the smooth and flowing vocal harmonies that arrive on the refrain, offering a lift and width that is truly divine.

“Tiny Beam of Light” is a song that shall fit within many playlists, from melancholic to inspirational and back again. It is the embodiment of honest songwriting, never pretending to be anything else, and we gladly welcome it as one of our new favorite songs.

“Tiny Beam of Light” is the first single from Arsenault’s upcoming LP, Nothing Sweeter, due for release on November 3. If this track is any indication as to what the rest of the album has in store, then we await with bated breath.

-HD