A stirring track out today from Ryan Manchester, “Closer” evolves from passionate folk into an aesthetically intriguing second half, adorned by atmospheric synths. The beginnings are quaint, with emotive vocals and trickling acoustics, though expanding briskly — with percussive entries and plucky guitar expansion — as the first minute concludes. The two-minute mark commences an engrossing, captivating shift. Ghostly acoustics accompany the vocal change, with the second half flourishing with synth arps and an overall invigorating spacey soundscape, with shades of Oneohtrix Point Never. “Closer” thoroughly captivates.
“‘Closer’ is a song that captures an unresolved feeling,” Manchester says. “It’s a feeling of wanting change, yet feeling hesitant to take that first step into the unknown. Closer does not offer any advice or direction on what to do. Rather, it acknowledges this feeling of trepidation and uneasiness and lets it take its course.”
Manchester is originally from Amarillo, Texas (also earning a Bachelor’s degree in music composition from the University of North Texas). He is now based in NYC.
—
“Closer” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2021’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
