A burgeoning chamber-pop sound envelops on “Only Listening,” a new single from London-based artist Tom O C Wilson that features Henri Växby on lead vocals. Växby’s soothing harmonious, presence is bolstered by Wilson’s backing vocals and gorgeous arrangements. Similarly effective, the lyrics reflect an experience of processing emotions through the simplest of senses — listening, observing, and remembering.
The track begins with a steady sense of momentum; percussive pit-patter and swelling organs complement a mellow vocal envelopment to start. “I was only listening,” harmonious vocal layers entice. The alluring vocal tone and chamber-pop whimsy reminds fondly of Field Music. The illuminated piano adornments and vocal layers converge with beautifully melodic precision, while the final minute moves into a playful ooh-ing. “Only Listening” is a stellar success from Tom O C Wilson and Henri Växby.
“I like the idea of bringing in other voices and exploring alternative musical personalities,” Wilson explains. “Although I’ve previously sung my songs, I always felt that my artistic identity lay primarily in the composition, and that it could gain from what other singers bring to the material.”
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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.
