A serenely caressing single from Mantisgrove, “The Weather” fuses lush synths, twangy guitar lines, and absorbing vocals — tempting with “take a little drive, on down to the coast” escapism — within a stirringly hypnotic soundscape. The project of Seth Leininger, Mantisgrove succeeds in both soundscape and melodic drive here. A weather broadcast sample plays as an intriguing undercurrent, while a vocal yearning “to be with you” sends chills as glistening synth flourishes bolster the “you” refrain. Twangy guitars ensue, adding to the blissful production, and enchanting throughout its entire duration.
Leininger elaborates on the standout track’s creative process:
“The Weather originated from a music challenge among friends, where we create our own songs based on a new prompt each week. For this challenge, the prompt was to incorporate a weather broadcast sample into the track. I chose a sample from a 1970s weather broadcast and built the song around it.”
“The lyrics use the changing seasons as a metaphor for the different stages and emotions of a relationship. The verses move through Fall, Winter, and Spring, intentionally omitting Summer. Each season represents a distinct phase within the relationship and the feelings that accompany it.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
