Redwings, Guillemots

Redwings is not the most instantly catchy, recognizable, grand nor affecting Guillemots song. But it sums up why they're one of my favourite bands, and I'm so glad that in their recent tiny London gigs they've kept it as the last song in their setlist as it shows the band must cherish it as much as myself. The atmospheric opening and little touches here and there create a special little world which is specific to this song. In creating Through the Windowpane, Fyfe Dangerfield said (I'm paraphrasing here) that he wanted to make an album where you switch off the lights and just listen to the record like he used to. I find when listening to Redwings that it's the perfect example why you should give the album such close attention.

It's about leaving your best friend, as you share out your last bottle of whiskey. When closing my eyes and losing myself in the song, I picture two friends on the edge of a cliff near a lot of trees, sitting on a rug finishing their drink. The emotion overwhelms them both as the song builds into a crescendo, yet they still must leave each other. I love every instrument throughout which helps create the special atmosphere. It's utterly mesmerizing and has some really delicately moving lyrics (This is where the glass leaves the lens/A splinter in a chemistry of friends.) I don't think there's enough songs about friendships, nor do I feel there's as many songs as poignantly moving as this one. Bring on their next album which will hopefully be arriving within the next few months.