MUSIC FARMER 5 - Review by Adam Jones
A Melodic Voyage on the Sea of Heartache
Amidst the vast canvas of contemporary music, SUN WAY STREET paints a masterpiece of emotion and melody with their latest single, "May," unveiled to the world on the serene winter day of December 15, 2023. More than a mere musical composition, this track is a vibrant narrative - a tale of love and loss against the backdrop of fate's unyielding currents, all harmonized in a symphony that touches the soul.
As the opening chords of the piano unfurl, listeners are instantly transported to a realm that is both serene and shadowed, like a forest at twilight, whispering secrets in the cool, dimming light. The entrance of Steven Eli’s vocals is nothing short of a gentle yet powerful wave of emotion, resonating with a passion that is both fiery and tender. His voice is a rare confluence of influences - the raw, unbridled spirit of Bob Dylan, the unique flair of David Bowie, and the entrancing depth reminiscent of the lead singer of Future Islands.
The introduction of drums and guitar is akin to the awakening of the ocean itself - waves of melody crashing over the soul, evoking a sense of both awe and introspection. The chorus blooms like a rare nocturnal flower, its harmonies weaving through the air, creating a tapestry of sound that is ethereal and profoundly moving.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of SUN WAY STREET's “May” is the interplay of vocals and instruments. It’s akin to watching stars dance in the night sky, their light shimmering against the backdrop of an e-bowed guitar and ambient tones. This soundscape is hauntingly beautiful, echoing the mournful yet majestic call of a whale in the distance - a perfect sonic representation of the song’s deep-seated melancholy and breathtaking beauty.
The narrative woven into “May” is as poignant as the music itself. It’s a saga of a soul adrift, lost in an ocean of sorrow, yearning for a love that has slipped into the realm of memory. The opening line, "I will die lonely. Far out upon the waves," is not just a lyric; it’s a cry from the heart, echoing the theme of loss and longing that is masterfully carried throughout the song, reaching a crescendo in the form of an epic guitar solo that seems to wring out the very essence of heartache.
SUN WAY STREET, a duo comprising the lyrical genius of Ireland’s Steven Eli and the multi-instrumental prowess of Colorado’s Leor Manelis, has indeed sculpted a niche in the world of music. Their journey, from an online collaboration born in the throes of a global pandemic to their eventual meeting and synergistic creation in Colorado, is as inspiring as their music. From their initial EP to the subsequent series of soulful singles, they have paved the path to this masterpiece.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of SUN WAY STREET's “May” is the interplay of vocals and instruments. It’s akin to watching stars dance in the night sky, their light shimmering against the backdrop of an e-bowed guitar and ambient tones.