One of the peaceful moments in a song is Island by Ezra Vancil. The song is much real and dreamy, existing in between a memory and a film in a half-remembrance. The combination of folk storytelling and sunny indie tunes makes Vancil at the beginning of the song introduce the listener to the clear and escapist lyrics that instantly transfer one to a distant beach where time passes slowly and emotions build slowly like the morning tide.
The song builds gradually and deliberately. There is a sound of waves, whistled melodies, and warm guitar sounds that give the scene to a melody that does not establish itself too forcefully but rather falls like a light breeze. Background vocals come in with a light, kind of softness, and some very non-Spanish lyrics bring a sense of universal sunshine. The song provides a platform where cultures, feelings, and memories intertwine into one and come together in a very beautiful way of peace.
The personal experience of Vancil is in the middle of Island. The song was composed when he and his wife reunited after years of struggle and divorce. The song indicates the feeling of peace that was experienced after they restored their family. It also embodies the romance of a mere visit to the beach with their daughter. The song symbolizes the serenity of the existence after the storm, a state of balance which he did not want to lose.
Island was recorded in a muted cabin in the deep East Texas woods and the song brings the impression of the immediate environment. Vancil decided to record without headphones, and this feature made the natural sound and atmosphere of the room a part of the music. This renders the track minimal and genuine. The song has a quiet yet radiant musical environment with the help of Cozi Vancil and his bright harmonies, Ty Richards, with his surf style guitar, Jon Estes, with his bass and Chris Brush, with his gentle percussion.
The Morning chapter of Morning & Midnight is Island. It is optimistic, sensitive and uninhibited. The song serves to remind us that peace may return, it has a way of coming in soft and slow, just the way the waves come to the shore.
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