A gorgeous ambient journey unfolds on “Slow Trees,” a new double-single from London-based artist Sophia Aya that plays as a remix of Kat Kikta’s pro-peace anthem “Cherry Trees.” The original’s atmospheric art-pop prowess remains here, and is further explored and enhanced via Sophia Aya’s grasp of audible texture and space. “These remixes of ‘Cherry Trees’ are an emotional affirmation of how we absolutely can find tranquility and hope even in the face of despair,” says Kat Kikta, who wrote “Cherry Trees” originally as a protest against the conflict in Ukraine and also a call for peace in Gaza.
Kat Kikta continues: “My aim was to create spaces of quiet contemplation, allowing the anti-war sentiment to resonate on a deeper, more atmospheric level. I want it to transcend languages and be a primal resonance for peace that is felt in a more undeniable way, for everyone.”
Sophia Aya’s interpretations — entitled “Slow Trees” — are stirring in their artistry and atmospheric strengths, both on the ambient original and the vocal deepener version, where haunting vocal elements are interwoven within the lush soundscape. Sounds of nature and chiming keys commence “Slow Trees” with meditative entrancement, as thumping percussive elements emerge with sporadic, enticing immersion. Ethereal, wordless vocal elements meld seamlessly, like a harmonious ghost, as glistening string-laden mystique arrives past the 7-minute turn.
The second half gorgeously unveils these various elements with converging balance, from outdoor samples and pit-pattering percussion to serene electronic components. Sophia Aya’s “Slow Trees” is a beautifully deep exploration of Kat Kikta’s “Cherry Trees,” which achieves anti-war sentiments and an overall sense of tranquility within an unforgettable art-pop and ambient glow.
Listen to the original track, and its vocal deepener, below:
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
