There is allure in the fabrication of fragile entities. A sandcastle assembled grain by grain. A tapestry weaved thread by thread. A motifs composition manifested note by note.
Snakeweed Sessions returns with renewed breath in this episode, featuring the homegrown quintet of motifs who have just released their debut album, remember a stranger. “fluorescent” marks the first single of the nine-track collection - recorded in Snakeweed Studios - and you see it come to life before your very eyes in this captivating live setup. What arises is a somnambulant swirl that reels you gently into its gravity, taking you on a voyage coloured with scenic routes and astonishing detours.
Here you have a tempered mist of guitars that’s light in its manoeuvres yet heavy in impact, creating a foggy texture that sheathes the song with a shoegazing guise; fitting, when you consider motifs’ seminal influences of Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. Layers of shimmering synths and reverb-cloaked pads enhance the ethereal presence, while a melded rhythm section plants it on solid ground with running basslines and a cruising drum arrangement.
And rounding up the formula is an equable, enthralling vocal performance from vocalist and lyricist, Elspeth Ong, who straddles the line between crushing tragedy and iridescent hope. “Drive away, the clouds still look the same,” she reiterates with a tint of melancholic reassurance; a mantric reminder that there is no indignity, but triumph, in the journey of moving on.
This is “fluorescent” by motifs. Seep in, and flow along for the ride.