Ayrshire singer/songwriter Sean McGeoch has returned with his solo project Stara Zagora releasing a new single ‘Like a Ringing Phone.’
This single is the first insight into the Scotsman’s upcoming album which is due to be released within the year, this will be his second album since his debut ‘Reality is the Nightmare,’ which was brought out in 2015.
McGeoch’s new track begins with a somewhat eerie yet enchanting opening featuring a distinct harmonica melody. The opening is lengthy but undoubtedly atmospheric and this is before the vocals even begin, it features numerous melodies which are repeated as the single develops.
When McGeoch’s vocals finally make an appearance, they are slightly contradicting to the piece of music that was developed during the opening sequence to the track. Unlike the melodies featured during the beginning of the song, and unlike songs he has performed before which featured both guitar and bass as well as prominent synths, Sean McGeoch’s voice is accompanied by a single piano and this too adds to the slightly trippy overall feel of the track.
The vocals are performed in a high register and are effective in adding to the fascinating theme of the song, as well as this McGeoch delivers each word with hesitation and vocals are spread across beats.
‘Like a Ringing Phone,’ as a whole is atmospheric and somewhat mesmerising from the get go however, when the vocals are met with the crashing drumkit at the middle of the track, I feel this is extremely contrasting to the vibe that was portrayed during the start of the song. Nonetheless, the single as a whole features clever instrumental build ups which add to the climax of the centre half of the song which should be totally admired.
Sean McGeoch succeeds in producing a track that offers a sense of escapism through his use of soft yet effective melodies which provide a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by beautiful lyrics. At times the song can lack musical culmination except from the middle of the track where both the lyrics and melodies meet. The song is minimalistic in terms of musicality, yet still manages to create a captive vibe to the song.
Stara Zagora’s new album is due to be released within the year, and this single is a glimpse as to what it has to offer.
Catch Stara Zagora at K Fest in Kilmarnock this Friday (27th)
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