From the idiosyncratic chords to the dreamy vocals, Candle from Alex Edwards is a wholly memorable slow burn.
There was something about Alex Edwards that intrigued me right from the opening acoustic strum. His latest release, Candles managed to conjure up a dreamy, bittersweet soundscape with little more than some inspired, dissonant chords, cascading piano, drums, and a gentle tempo.
Alongside its solemn music video, there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s learn some more about the alt-folk artist and the single.
Alex Edwards is a long-standing singer/songwriter, who also performs as the lead vocalist in Brisbane band Snowcats. His experience in songwriting glows brightly on Candles, his second single off upcoming EP, Fealty Fjords.
Opting for a slow tempo, Edwards gets clear passage into your head with a softly-spun melody:“How late, the soul might reawaken?”
The melody is reminiscent of early Weezer or even a slower Beatles tune. However, the execution and soundscape is nothing but. Candles fall under the realm of balladry dream pop and post-shoegaze. As his gentle vocals sail over the ear-perking chord progression, keys and guitar create an ethereal, gentle sensation.
This feeling is a dire contrast to the lyrical subject matter and the music video, both of which are concerned with witchcraft and the destruction of a relationship. Heavy stuff. As flames are projected onto Edwards’s face, you can’t help but imagine what could have possibly gone down. But as we know, painful experiences often lead to more engaging creative output.
Candles truly is a wonderfully intriguing track that you can gently hum along to, or find comfort in after a period of hardship. “Oh, I’ve never been in love, and I’m never gunna do it again”.
