Artist Spotlight
A Timeless Voyage: Cliff & Susan’s “Into the Mystic” Reimagined
Cliff & Susan’s rendition of Van Morrison’s classic “Into the Mystic” is a beautifully crafted tribute that gracefully marries the ethereal spirit of the original with a rich, country-soul twist. Recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios, this single not only honors Morrison’s 1970 masterpiece but also introduces a fresh wave of emotive depth that speaks directly to the duo’s musical roots.
From the first strum of the guitar, Cliff’s warm and resonant vocals guide listeners through a familiar journey of nostalgia and yearning. His voice, steady and soulful, brings a comforting presence to the song, while Susan’s harmonizing vocals add a delicate layer of intimacy, wrapping the listener in a gentle embrace. Her Wurlitzer performance gives the track a soft, rolling current that flows seamlessly with Clayton Ivey’s understated yet evocative organ work.
The production is clean and crisp, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the emotional core of the song. The subtle interplay between Scott Todd’s guitar and Justin Holder’s drums provides a rhythmic foundation that evokes the gentle sway of the ocean, perfectly capturing the imagery of sailing “into the mystic.”
In their interpretation, Cliff & Susan maintain the mystical, almost spiritual aura of Morrison’s original, but they infuse it with their signature country flair—a sound that is both tender and resolute. The choice to record at FAME Studios, a place steeped in musical history, adds an extra layer of authenticity and reverence to the project.
For those who cherish the soulful serenity of “Into the Mystic,” Cliff & Susan’s version offers a familiar yet refreshing take that is sure to resonate with both longtime fans of the original and newcomers alike.
For those intrigued by the deeper, more complex interplay of country and soul, Van Morrison’s *Moondance* album offers a lush, intricate soundscape that expands upon the themes explored in “Into the Mystic.”
Cliff & Susan’s heartfelt rendition of “Into the Mystic” is a standout cover that pays homage to the original while showcasing their unique musical identity. With a polished production and emotionally resonant performance, this single is a must-listen for fans of country and soul music alike.
Rating: 92/100
–Sam Sheppard
Artist Spotlight
CircleKSK ignites an anime-metal collision on “UnBreakable Turn” ft. Anya J
On their exhilarating high-octane track “UnBreakable Turn,” CircleKSK and guest vocalist Anya J aim to combine the technical prowess of Nordic metal with the urgent melodies and dramatic flair of an anime opening sequence. Creating a cinematic and adrenaline-fueled tune with a melodic edge, CircleKSK has risen to prominence as an innovative act.
The deliberate fusion contributes to the single’s captivating nature. J-Pop and anime-song sensibilities contribute emotional hooks and sweeping, catchy lines; precision, dense riffs, and a sense of weight are brought by Nordic metal. Echoing the song’s vivid melodic contours, Anya J’s heroic and personal vocals and demeanor heighten the dramatic impact of the performance. The structure is based on the standard narrative progression: lively, evocative parts leading the way to more somber ones that ground the emotion.
The production relies on contrast so that lighter parts sparkle and heavier parts thud with satisfying force. As if CircleKSK were creating music for the eyes as well as the ears, this piece could serve as the score for a dramatic scene or the music for a violent montage. Not everything is surface-level, though; the emotional core remains. Anthemic and deeply personal, “UnBreakable Turn” combines the vigor of youth with the gravity of experience.
An assuredly inventive single that fearlessly asserts new territory, “UnBreakable Turn” by CircleKSK is sure to please fans of big, dramatic music that isn’t hesitant to mix sweetness and steel, as well as those who enjoy cross-cultural mashups. The single, which has been lauded by curators and tastemakers worldwide, is a strong statement about artists who fearlessly combine cultural genres, showing that passionate J-Pop melodies and intense Scandinavian metal can coexist in one unforgettable track.
Artist Spotlight
Garth Adam keeps the flame of Journeysong burning with the new single “Three Fires”
Garth Adam‘s latest single, “Three Fires,” evokes a warm dialogue in a subdued studio that is intimate, contemplative, and subtly victorious. Adam candidly discusses the exhilaration of uncovering self-assurance in both himself and his songwriting, and this revelation serves as the driving force of the track. At its essence, “Three Fires” is a straightforward commemoration: the delight in transforming a modest idea into something extraordinary through patience.
Adam’s vocal style resides comfortably within a folk-influenced pop genre, which he characterizes as a blend of Neil Finn and The Lumineers, interspersed with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and James Blunt. The reference point is beneficial yet not confining; “Three Fires” represents Adam’s unique creation, an accessible, melodic composition that prioritizes artistry over novelty. The single, recorded in joyful sessions in Perth with long-time collaborator and producer Melvin Tree, exudes the warmth of musicians collaborating in a circle, with the vintage Studer analog desk imparting an analog glow to the final recording. Melvin, Dave Kelly, and a select group of skilled music students contribute backing vocals that enhance the track with harmony and impart a subtly communal, authentic quality.
The lyrics of the song emphasize Adam’s preferred motifs: travel, journeys, and the subtle transformations that occur during the voyage. However, it is not overly forceful; the songwriting is elegant, transitioning from observation to insight with effortless fluidity. Adam’s delivery conveys satisfaction; he is a songwriter who has witnessed minor concepts evolve into completed songs and has learned to trust that process.
“Three Fires” serves as a testament to the notion that skill and perseverance can transform a mere spark into something luminous. For aficionados of melodic songwriting with an analog essence, Garth Adam’s latest work is a comforting, exquisitely crafted ember to accompany one on their journey. It is a song that encourages repeated, soothing auditory experiences.
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