We have been following Fierce Friend for a while now, as he gets closer to his forthcoming album ‘Blood Red Hills & The Uncanny Valley’. After writing about ‘Put Your Right’ earlier this summer, we are now presenting to you all ‘Tokyo Rose’, a piece that moves the entire project in a decidedly more expansive and hypnotic direction. Operating out of Brighton, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alan Grice seems to have struck sonic gold, though one might argue he’s been doing that his whole career.
The new single is surprisingly eclectic, with an emotional, ethereal intro that’s bound to appeal to any melancholic listeners out there (that’s us, btw!). From here on, ‘Tokyo Rose’ blooms into a magical aural journey, a blend of organic textures, rolling drums and epic vocals. The listening experience is sumptuous and inspiring, even angelic at times, with Fierce Friend’s complex harmonies taking centre stage and opening the floodgates to dreamy orchestral additions. The British composer does mention Thom Yorke as one of his biggest inspirations, and we couldn’t agree more. If anything, ‘Tokyo Rose’ is a tad more full-bodied and hard-hitting (partly due to the repeating melodic pattern and arpeggios), despite retaining all of Yorke’s evocative sheen.
Music aside, the release carries meaning that transcends the aural medium. As we are told: “The song takes its inspiration from the 1937 disappearance of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, and the fog of speculation and mythology that has grown around her. Searchlights, radio static, rumours of survival, UFOs and phantom transmissions blur the line between history and imagination. Where did she go, and just maybe, did she somehow survive?”
Recommended! Discover ‘Tokyo Rose’ now: