Chilly vocal layers and suave guitars craft a nocturnal atmospheric mystique on “Firestarter,” an enthralling new single from Fore Fader. The Los Angeles-based duo comprises Stephanie Carlin and Carey Clayton; “Firestarter” represents their seventh single. Its evolution from pit-pattering intrigue into expressive vocal pulses proves compelling, both in its melodic immersion and nature-inspired emulations — on this track reflective of rushing water, and conveying a balance between melancholy and hopefulness.
Fire-based references — to incineration and burning — are aptly interwoven, feeling representative of personal transformation, and recognizing initial destruction as a natural component of such; fire becomes the force that destroys the old (relationships, lies, old lives) to make way for something new. The title-touting reference into the “burning all I know,” sequence is especially riveting — combining escalating vocal passion and soulful rhythmic elements. The concluding repetition of “but now I see,” suggests a haunting sense of catharsis, following this chaotic re-ignition; “Firestarter” is an artful, strongly memorable showing from Fore Fader.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
