I Remember, by Saint Saviour
A musical warm bath to soothe the senses
Something beautiful and soothing to start the day. I first heard this piece as part of the soundtrack to The Young Pope. In fact, there were a few great discoveries on that soundtrack, which contains a very eclectic mix from classical, ethereal Gorecki to Jimi Hendrix and all sorts in between. And whilst Jude Law would make anything worth watching from my point of view, the series itself is also excellent, with strange combinations of spirituality, pathos and weird Italian humour.
How do they do that?
What is it that makes this piece feel so soothing? Once again, I’m going to look at contrasts, because often, it seems, music accentuates a mood by positioning it next to another. What do I mean by that? Well this song begins with a soft, half-whispered, breathy vocal with a light and bare guitar accompaniment. The effect is of exposure, vulnerability and loneliness. I wrote that before reading the lyrics, which goes to show how clever music is at expression. Gradually, more voices join to fill out the vocal harmony - our lead singer is no longer alone - and other stringed instruments join the guitar. The introduction of the cellos delivers a delicious warmth and at this point of the song I am reminded of Norwegian band, Kings of Convenience. Their album, “Quiet is the New Loud” always felt to me like sinking into a warm bath, and this song by Saint Saviour has the same kind of effect. It’s not just the sonorous addition of the cellos and violins that make it soothing, it is the way they have their own melodies that wrap around the vulnerable solo singer, like a cozy blanket, offering safety and comfort. The song doesn’t end sweetly and happily, though. It is fundamentally about loss, yet we are reminded by the music and its lyrics that we are never entirely alone and “always have a place to go.”
Hope you enjoy it or feel inspired to listen to something new today.
