On the heart-wrenching single “In Our Yard Stands An Apple Tree,” Utrecht-based artist Fons & the Chargers transforms the tragedy of losing an unborn child into a gorgeous crooner ballad designed to offer solace to those in similar pain. Fons Slieker captures a profound vulnerability through orchestral strings and soulful vocals, reflecting his belief that “loss and grief are also a form of love,” providing a resonant, hopeful bridge for others navigating the depths of grief.
Chillingly cinematic strings unfold with quivering, melancholic beauty amidst soft acoustic guitar — making for a captivating introduction as a solemn yet melodically impactful vocal delivers a deeply personal introspection. The orchestral tendencies, heart-on-sleeve narration, and affecting vocal tone remind fondly of Neil Hannon. “Now in our yard there stands an apple tree. That’s where your little heart still beats for me,” the vocals let out, referencing each “tender leaf” and “each gentle bloom in spring” as carrying their child’s “name in every breath of wind.”
“You were no bigger than an apple seed, so in our yard we placed an apple tree,” the vocals continue, addressing the titular tree as a representation of undying love for their child — and also the interconnected nature of us all, with every breath of wind and plant grown reminding of universality and the nature of life and death. “But in the tree, you are our endless child,” a conclusion shows with spine-tingling finality, as weeping strings pair with a final touch of guitar for a stirring send-off. Enveloping in its lyrical prowess and gorgeous strings especially, “In Our Yard Stands An Apple Tree” is a resonating, heartfelt stunner from Fons & the Chargers.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
