We’re finally getting round to clearing out our inbox before we consume a silly amount of cheese and wine over Christmas and we’ve found. some humdingers in the process. Our latest discovery comes from Dublin-based quartet Let’s Set Sail who create minimalist folktronica that soothes the soul. They recently released their innovative new EP ‘Enzo’ and its the perfect winter warmer to chill out to.
Opening with the wonderfully atmospheric ‘Toledo’, this almost eight minute single immediately sets the tone for the rest of the EP. Its oozing with atmosphere and gradually builds into an amazingly powerful piece of musicianship. Frontman Warren McCarthy‘s distinctive vocal style chimes in just enough to give this song the boost it deserves.
‘A Savage Goo’ is another stand out track that deserves your attention. Beginning with Warren’s colloquial tones, Ian Dunphy‘s minimalist electronics and Rob Molumby‘s skilful piano tones, the song builds slowly but surely into an ethereal beauty that will send shivers down your spine, with Warren and Marian Hughes‘ harmonies blending effortlessly throughout. Fans of the likes of Metronomy and Sylvan Esso will feel at home here.
Every song on the EP is about, or at least refers to, a particular location. “The first two refer to locations in Spain – Toledo and Madrid,” the band explain. “Warren’s girlfriend was living there a few years ago, so these songs were formed following his visits to her. ‘A Savage Goo’ is set in Amsterdam but is essentially focused on an appreciation of friends from home, and being relieved and happy that they are well. ‘Our Collective Brain’ and ‘The Vee’ are songs about Ireland. Both songs combine a declaration of love and a statement of condemnation towards life in Dublin, and Ireland as a whole. The negative aspects were influenced by current social and economic issues in the country, particularly the housing crisis. The positivity and hope contained in both songs is formed from an unshakeable attachment to home, and considering there to be a beauty in that.”
‘Enzo’ is out now.