Haunting in its development from piano-led solemnity to grandiose orchestral ardor, “Open Up” is a gorgeously atmospheric track from TIMOTEI, a London-based actor, musician, and poet. He wrote the track during a difficult period in his family life, navigating “themes of acceptance, healing, and human connection.”
A nocturnal, spacious ambience appears initially, gradually bolstered by glimpses of piano that eventually flow into a melodically blissful progression. Samples of children playing, resembling remnants of childhood memories, precede TIMOTEI’s beautiful vocal emergence. “Open up, don’t be scared,” he lets out. “There’s a light, at the end of your bed.” The momentum swells thereafter, moving into a strong, soaring vocal resonance — tonally reminiscent of Sigur Rós in its spine-tingling heights and orchestral addition, here conveyed by the weeping strings. “Open Up” is a riveting, standout success from TIMOTEI.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
