September has arrived, and with it comes a brand new featured track - this month is all about 'Evil Twist' from Belgian duo TYCKO!
It takes a true Save the World! track to make the top spot on my list, and I think it's safe to say that Evil Twist is just that. It's dark textures layered across a deep house landscape paint a vivid picture of a very tangible, very human experience, filled with tension, anticipation, exhilaration, and most importantly, hopefulness. The amount of work that went into its creation is apparent in every beat and measure, as we're transported to the forefront of a blossoming romance - and all the confusion that comes with it.
For me, this kind of consideration is crucial when it comes to telling a compelling story through music. Unlike so many tracks meandering across our airwaves at the moment, TYCKO have paid meticulous attention to ensuring that everything from the haunting piano melody to the ethereal reverbs work together with the vocals to tell a cohesive story. It's always a shame for me when elements in an otherwise brilliant composition seem to argue with and contradict each other. When everything works together to paint a vivid picture, gems like this one emerge effortlessly.
Telling a cohesive story is only half the battle though. That story also has to be real and honest, in that it faithfully depicts some meaningful aspect of the human experience. It's almost too easy to go for the low-hanging fruit when it comes to the subject of a new relationship, discussing the obvious exhilaration and passion that accompanies the experience. Where 'Evil Twist' once again pushes the boundaries is in the boldness with which it explores the more uncomfortable and troubling elements that invariably accompany the heady emotions of a fresh romance.
It's this kind of raw honesty in story-telling that can TRULY save somebody's world; often the most heroic voice isn't the one that shouts the loudest or promises the universe, but the one that echoes a sentiment, normalises a fear, and ultimately understands the situation. It's rare we turn to music to fix or remedy. Instead, its utility lies in deepening our understanding of a situation or experience, providing insight into our mysterious internal workings, and ultimately providing some kind of catharsis that enables us to approach our obstacles with focus and clarity. Evil Twist does all of this without ever feeling forced or overly self-aware, which is testament to its level of sophistication both musically and lyrically.
I promised you all some quality house music was coming, and I'd like to think that I've delivered on that promise. Make sure you leave a comment and let us know what you think of September's track of the month!
Himalaya by Ellipsis
The Music to Save The World playlist is sponsored this month by Himalaya from Ellipsis.
The journey begins - fresh Chillstep from Ellipsis to help you focus. Stream it now:
You can learn more about TYCKO here:
About the curator - Matt Jenko
Matt Jenko is a university postgraduate and music producer with an unhealthy obsession with Rick & Morty and all things Game of Thrones. When he’s not in the studio (a rare occurrence these days), he’s fueling his passion for music either on the net or out in the real world. He likes being out in the nature (in the least strenuous capacity though, let’s be real here) and chilling with his cat, and he’s also pretty proud of his mammoth collection of books that he’s never read.
Checkout Matt's project Ellipsis on Spotify and Facebook
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