Sailing Stones

Sailing Stones’ upcoming debut album ‘Polymnia' is slow and cinematic, so taking it as such highly rewards the listener. Drawing on classic 70s songwriter influences, much like last year’s ‘Titanic Rising’ by Weyes Blood and the ornamental pop of Julia Holter’s ‘Have You In My Wilderness’, Lindfors is a restless songwriter, but she is an auteur of her vision. Ranging from glossy pop to more experimental production, Sailing Stones skillfully brings her 70s songwriting influences into new ambitious territories. Produced by TJ Allen, the tracks unfold with dramatic, gradual pacing as she explores the theme of consolation in darkness.
‘Emmanuel’ is one of the sparsest tracks found on ‘Polymnia’. Although undoubtedly tragic sounding, the songwriter’s fixation on respite during isolation emerges. On 80s FM inspired ‘Receive’, this is particularly apparent, featuring beautiful arpeggiated guitars underlying the relief reflected in the lyrics, with string sections blurring into intensifying synths.

Another track that gradually burns up in drama is ‘Polymnia’, with clashing saxophones and electric guitars on its outro. The album’s closer explains escaping from the ups and downs of the day-to-day grind, with this revelation emerging in the lines: “I take my eyes and pry them right off the prize”. The mellow, yet unhinged ’Comfort’ deceives a little through its title. 'Be the opiate to my bones’, Lindfors asks disarmingly over modulated Fender Rhodes and murmuring synth pads.