‘Faze’ is the latest lead single from ‘Silk’, the upcoming shoegaze project of Michael Smyth. Branching out from being the songwriter/guitarist of Virgins, the Belfast based musician found the inspiration for ‘Silk’ hidden in existentialism. The heavy-gaze project is fuelled by that constant feeling of “rushing towards the inevitable” and marks the importance of “[filling] the time remaining with joyous, creative acts.”
‘Faze’ fizzes with the distinctive electricity of a passion project; Smyth is credited for the writing, performing, recording, producing, and mixing of ‘Silk’. His passion transcends musicality, leading him to design all of the project’s art and visuals. ‘Faze’ is an elaborate and almost liminal track. It’s heavy with intricately performed layers, though listening to it doesn’t become overwhelming. Each element seems to work in harmony, conveying an intrinsic sound, entirely in touch with itself. Heavy distortion and reverb within the track feels almost as if the song sings back to itself. The echo chamber of ‘Faze’ is magically captivating.
The shoegaze song contains minimal vocals. Instead, lyrics sung by Michael Smyth lull amidst the harmonious grunge of ‘Faze’s guitar-drum instrumentation. Barely breaking the surface percussion, Smyth’s vocals are not at fault; instead, the swirling musicality of the single creates a dynamic listening experience. It crafts an almost whirring sensation, that “rushing” cited by the musician. This itself conveys an intensely talented artistry, drawing on and honing its shoegaze inspirations and roots.
‘Faze’ is transforming and transporting, though not oppressive. Because none of the elements come with full force, its relatively open for a listener to take what they desire, choose an aspect to home in on. Volume up and it becomes a dissociative experience, transcendentally consuming. Volume down and its humming energy remains. ‘Faze’ has a distinctive driving force, easy to get caught up in its rushing melodies. It’s exciting to wonder where Michael Smyth’s energy will lead the rest of the ‘Silk’ project.
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