Featured Tune: "Vertical" by Arliston

From the very first note, "Vertical" by Arliston offers a soothing and unique sound that immediately welcomes you into a pleasurable journey. The song is deeply passionate, a sentiment felt intensely from its outset. As it unfolds, it's a track that evokes goosebumps, making you feel as though you're flying. Emotional and motivational, "Vertical" encapsulates the sensation of rising after years of devastation. The song builds an emotion that resonates deeply, touching every inch of your bones. The lyrics and vocals beautifully complement the emotion, creating a harmonious blend. The true beauty of the song is highlighted by the ending electric guitar, which, while loud enough to change your heart, is not so overpowering that it hurts your ears.

Within the first minute, the full spectrum of Arliston's intensity is on display, as brooding vocals turn into soaring please: “How should I know just whether I can carry on?. Throughout the track, the duo skillfully balances reserved, inward-looking lows with expressive, passionate highs. Self-described as “sad song specialists“ Arliston dives headfirst into the uncertainty of life's particularly fraught times, our late twenties and early thirties. Their songwriting is undeniably relatable, reflecting on past confusion, current struggles, or future anticipations. The metaphor of "vertical" symbolizes an unsurpassable obstacle, much like a flat wall one must climb.

Jack's reflection on the songwriting process reveals a character searching for mundane items, encapsulating the overwhelming feeling of even simple tasks when life feels daunting and impossible. Influences from The National, Bon Iver, and Damien Rice shine through in their crisp production and emotive delivery. However, like every storm, the sadness in "Vertical" eventually ends, transitioning into a major-key resolution, allowing the negative events to slide away like water off a duck's back.