Arliston has released their new album titled ‘The Ground Might Disappear’. The album begins in an almost atmospheric and even cinematic state. Signature from that first note. A slow burn of an album to say the least. But what gives you that instant moment of interest is the style behind the music. All original and surrounding, ‘The Ground May Disappear’ takes its time to let you get to know the music, and the band.
Each track gives you a glimpse from the heart as much as the mind of the artist and, while that heart is worn on their sleeves, its still kept close to the vest. Guarded just enough to give an enigmatic feel surrounding each song, making the album as much of a journey as it is a grand listen.
About Arliston
Possessing a vocal and alternative style that will attract anyone’s attention, alternative-indie collective Arliston have continued their limitless rise since their debut single back in 2018. Since then, the London natives have had support from the likes of Clash Magazine, Wonderland, The 405 and KaltBlut, as well as editorial Spotify support from New Music Friday UK, Pumpkin Spice, Sweater Weather and extensive Apple Music playlisting.
Comprising of three completely different music backgrounds and personalities; Jordi, Jack and George all provide genre influences ranging from metal to indie, from all corners of the UK and beyond.
They released the first instalment of their highly anticipated EP ‘Centre’ in October, and it was an electric return. Soaking you in their superb and transcendent alt-pop sound, ‘Centre’ cuts right through the noise, and is full of aching keys, alongside Jack’s intimate and distinctive vocals setting the scene. They then continued the momentum they had built with a more emotive offering in ‘Mountaineer’, a soft and swooning piano ballad that masterfully pushes the listener into a new and unexpected realm of sonic combinations.
And now the trio’s full body of work is released: a collection of songs that capture the chaos of the last two years, aptly titled ‘The Ground Might Disappear’. Before 2020, most of us enjoyed a particular certainty about the permanence of our freedoms, but Arliston’s EP reflects our new and unsettled reality. Now, we can take nothing for granted – the sky might fall in, the sun may not rise, even the ground might disappear.
The captivating lead single ‘Camomile’ is everything that Arliston have now become, and through the production expertise of Bo Morgan, they have created a beautifully present and experimental dosage of alternative pop, packed full of the finest of details that make the biggest of differences. Jack’s ethereal vocals take to the fore once more in this evocative masterpiece, giving an answer to people wanting that culmination of The National, Bon Iver and Daughter. A song that will resonate with many, the lyricism is damning yet pertinent, referring to a relationship that breaks down over time with a partner, “Wreathed in smiles, with nothing to say. Once we needed nothing but talk and tea.”
Speaking more about the release, Arliston go on to explain,
“Experimenting with different time signatures finally paid off with Camomile- the verse is in 7/8 and the chorus flips to 4/4 for that ‘resolution’ moment, which feels super satisfying to us”
“As a result of the different time signatures in the song, Camomile has this tidal ebb and flow to it that we find really beguiling”
“Originally, it was an attempt at making a light-hearted song! It didn’t quite pan out that way, but I think there are still some fun, insincere moments in there”
‘Park’ feels more positive and upbeat, with the use of selective instrumentation really shining through in this one. Spanning from the use of saxophone to airy and atmospheric synths, paired with the ever-changing beat of percussion sinking you into this layered and soaring track.
‘The Ground Might Disappear’ turns to a place of comfort in a time of uneasy and staggered periods in lockdown. Another masterful arrangement, this track feels like the perfect in-between of the songs aforementioned, with moments of pure magic, in a slow and softly measured builder that may just become a fan favourite.
There are only so many words you can use to describe Arliston, but sometimes you just need to immerse yourself in the purely transcendental space they have created with this EP to really take it all in. It’s a true insight into the different levels of explorations within a genre this group can undertake, and it’s more than impressive. It also symbolises their limitless potential as a group and force to be reckoned with. ‘The Ground Might Disappear’ is an astonishing piece of work, which will catapult them into their biggest year as a group in 2022.
Speaking on the creation of the EP as a whole, Arliston explain
Being able to channel all the uncertainty of the year into the project was such a relief. Although, it felt a little like being back on Brighton Pier playing Whack-a-mole: new worries just kept popping up!
Jack (Vocals, Guitar/Keys)
We had a very healthy atmosphere of collaboration when writing this EP – I would start an idea on the guitar or piano and Jack would tweak it and vice versa. That process created parts none of us would have written independently, sometimes it’s hard to remember who played what.
George (Guitar/Keys)
We’d always tried to produce ourselves before. And this EP was the first time we’d ever worked with an external producer. It was a TOTALLY different experience. Suddenly we were having to justify why certain parts should be allowed to stay in the song – things that we would have let slide before were put under a microscope – it was frustrating sometimes, but we love the results.
Jack (Vocals/Guitar/keys)
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/officialarliston
https://www.instagram.com/officialarliston
https://twitter.com/arlistonband
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTqIelyfvc-NdnqErYReyQ
