by Michael McCarthy
As even a young child could tell you, songs have the ability to make people feel things. For example, maybe you cry every time you hear “Open Arms” by Journey or “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins. (Truth be told, these songs usually do make me cry.). On the other hand, there are songs like Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” that may brighten your spirits or even make you entirely happy. These are obviously common reactions people have to songs. Valerie Renay’s new single, “Under the Oak” is rather unique in the sense that instead of making you feel happy or sad it may very well make you feel intoxicated.
No, really. Give it a listen. Let yourself get absorbed in it. And see if you don’t feel like you’ve just had a couple of drinks and have a nice little buzz going. I’ve listened to it several times now in preparation for writing this and at this point I almost feel drunk. There’s just something about the beats and the tempo and the way this one swirls around in your head that makes you feel something akin to drunk. Or maybe it’s just me. One thing I can say for sure is that this song is a trippy delight. It kind of reminds me of Morcheeba’s “Trigger Hippy,” a song from their first album when they were very much a trip hop outfit.
“Under the Oak” is Valerie’s second collaboration with Aka-E (co-producer) and Sebastian Lee Philipp (Die Wilde Jagd, additional production). Here’s a bit of the press release:
“Set in Brocéliande (France), Under The Oak takes you to the heart of a forest where it’s said Sir Lancelot and Queen Guenièvre began their forbidden love affair…
The impermanence of such love is laid bare over stark and ethereal electronics, while the track’s fusion of medieval-inspired motifs serve to also remind us that affairs of the heart can always live on through lore. As a storyteller herself, it’s Renay’s raison d’être to remind us of the fact that universal themes like loyalty and betrayal (in this case, to King Arthur) transcend both time and genre in their ability to deeply resonate across audiences.
The addition of organic instrumental touches, including subtle strings and reverb-drenched choral echoes, bring to life the sensual surroundings of Brocéliande.
As the oak tree, with its robust roots and protective canopy, emerges as an evocative metaphor for constancy amidst the ephemeral nature of human experiences.
Seamlessly blending myth with universal truths, Renay once again proves to the world her talent in traversing artistic boundaries in order to immerse listeners in something wholly unique and magical.
Under the oak come and find me…“
In closing, let me just say that we are always happy to find Valerie wherever her music takes her because everything she does is entirely brilliant.
https://www.instagram.com/val_renay
https://www.facebook.com/valerierenaysolo
https://www.youtube.com/user/valnoble
https://valerierenay.bandcamp.com
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