Stirring in its range from delicate folk introspection to spacious electronic intrigue, Some Hills Were Once Islands is the memorable new album from Sami Fitz. The London-based British-American musician weaves a heartfelt introspection within, placing emphasis on themes involving grief and ensuing hope/renewal — in addition to finding beauty in each and every moment of life. Showing a commanding production in both consuming balladry and anthemic heights, Fitz dazzles with stellar songwriting throughout Some Hills Were Once Islands.
Amongst the numerous standouts, “Time” is exemplary of delicately unfolding atmospherics. Delicate piano complement vocals that ruminate — “if it’s just time, if it’s just space,” — as gorgeous strings enter. The chamber-pop intrigue swells into the “I’ll see you again,” catharsis at mid-point, sending chills in its sense of adoration and conveying how love will never fade, even when faced by a “long road,” and the fleeting nature of time. Meanwhile, opening track “Changes” shows a twangy folk build, climactically enamoring with expressive vocal layers and a “you’re never alone,” reassuring warmness.
“Still I’m thinking of you,” yearning sentiments continue on “Thinking of You,” showing a melancholic reflections on the passage of a relationship — though acknowledging brighter times ahead within a serene dream-pop arsenal. From these successes to the chamber-folk mystique of finale “So Sweetly,” Some Hills Were Once Islands is a consistently captivating showcase in songwriting and production from Sami Fitz.
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“Time” 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.
