SAFE AND SOUND

Yesterday was the official date of release for this digital single by the Finnish recording project LIGHTHOUSE SPARROWS, led by Sami Sarhamaa (voc, g, b, progr) and Olli Huhtanen (keyb, backing voc). Last autumn they released The Deep End, a 30-minute album/EP which has received very favourable ratings here. 'Safe and Sound' is a song inspired by the COVID-19 lockdown, its lyrics reflect the confused feelings of being isolated in one's own home. "The walls get close and box me in". "The world has turned upside down..." I think just about everyone can relate to the lyrics, which are an essential part of the song's emotional power. A music video was made as well.

But most of all it is the carefully produced modern-and-yet-timeless sound that makes 'Safe and Sound' a fine track. With their EP I made comparisons to their countrymen PAX ROMANA and SUNHILLOW for the Floydian, relatively mellow but dark-toned sound, and here they have improved it even further. The composition in itself may not be breath-taking, but it flows ideally and the five minutes are put to a perfect use. Sarhamaa's warm vocals are now accompanied by Ella Eriksson's beautiful voice. The production is absolutely top notch, which however doesn't result as clinical stiffness. Hopefully there are more music to be expected from Lighthouse Sparrows!