SINGLE REVIEW: Ethereal - Your Eyes Filter / I’d Like To Say
Ethereal's 'Renewal Hope' EP blends indie rock and shoegaze into a thoughtful exploration of hope’s duality—its ability to evoke both light and darkness. While each track touches on different facets of this theme, two songs in particular stand out: 'Your Eyes Filter' and 'I’d Like To Say'. Together, they capture the emotional range and delicate intensity that defines the band’s sound.
In 'Your Eyes Filter,' the band channels a sense of nostalgia and optimism through an innocent, almost childlike lens. It's the story of two people who reconnect after years apart, recalling simpler times when life felt easier. The song’s soft instrumentation, bathed in gentle guitar lines, mirrors this warmth, while its poignant lyrics evoke the power of shared memories to heal and elevate. This track is a delicate balance between reminiscence and emotional clarity, giving listeners a glimpse of hope that feels both personal and universal.
'I’d Like To Say' takes a darker, more introspective turn, diving into the weightier themes of depression, loss, and the power of words. The song portrays two characters: one silently suffering and the other desperately trying to offer support. Through its melancholic guitar riffs and fragile vocals, it creates a haunting atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of communication and empathy during times of crisis. Though its subject matter is heavy, the song's emotional depth resonates, shedding light on how even the smallest words can offer a lifeline.
Both tracks highlight Ethereal's ability to weave complex emotions into their sound, showcasing their mastery of mood and tone. The rawness of 'I’d Like To Say' contrasts with the gentleness of 'Your Eyes Filter,' yet both songs encapsulate the EP’s central theme: hope is not a singular emotion, but a spectrum that includes both joy and pain.
As Ethereal continues to develop their sound, these songs serve as a testament to their musical and emotional range, offering a glimpse into a broader, more intricate world that will surely evolve on future releases.
