Artist: Phosphorescent
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Phosphorescent is a group that has had various compositions and dabbled in many different genres over the years, but right now, it consists of only its founder, Matthew Houck, who is experimenting with folk rock with electronic influences. He got a big break after having some life crisis and going to Mexico to chill, be a hipster, and develop his latest album, "Muchacho".
Once in a while, you happen upon a song whose notes reach out to you, whose sound interlocks with your neurons and fills in the craters of silence burnt out by unanswered questions. Song for Zula did just that for me. This song's simplicity--with the extremely common chord progression and typical rhythm--is illusory. The form is a double parabola, with the second one peaking higher, or a type of A A' repeat. The track opens with a sawing violin, which is again deceptive in its simplicity. Immediately shining is the superb reverb in both the percussion and strings, which gives great ambiance. Some of the later string flourishes have a Middle Eastern influence, which unexpectedly blends nicely. The melody is beautifully shaped throughout, and the piece whirls in an entrancing cycle, powered by the evocative lyrics. The violin solo, complete with double stops, really compliments the role of the strings in the rest of the tune. Kudos to Phorphorescent for the ability to turn such a simple base into such a complex and interesting arrangement.
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