Captivating in its deft intertwining with expressive saxophone and drum/bass precision, “Ships Do Sail” is the second single from South London-based saxophonist and composer Lewis Daniel. Themes of letting go are apparent in the evolving structural drive, in addition to a mid-point vocal sample that speaks to friendships/relationships that come and go. Daniel cites Radiohead and Hudson Mohawke as influences on the production, which stirs in its artful blend of avant-garde jazz, electronic soundscapes, and drum/bass intensity.
“Ships Do Sail” crafts an immersive, hypnotic entrancement from the get-go. Jazzy percussion, a steady bass pulse, and spacey backing keys assemble into a gorgeous saxophone lead. The brassy glow attains a more soaring disposition about a minute thereafter, while the rhythms maintain a dexterous pace underneath. They fade as a magnetic mid-point arrives. Lavish strings and a conversational vocal, from Rachel Kerry, meld seamlessly. A reference to how “people drift apart,” proves emotive as darkening synth swells intrigue with somewhat ominous captivation. Then, a final saxophone-led emergence lends a bright warmness as the track’s conclusion arrives — capping off an atmospheric gem of a listening experience from Lewis Daniel.
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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.
