Karl Mattar‘s “Heartbeat Stars” is one of many highlights from his new album The Weather of the World, the first credited to his own name after years of releasing music as Charlie Rayne and Interbellum. Recorded in Beirut with longtime collaborator Fadi Tabbal, the new album brings Mattar’s guitar-led songwriting into focus through exploratory production, with this single pairing intimate musicality and celestial imagery.
“Heartbeat, stars in orbit, pulling tidal forces,” Mattar’s vocals resonate, opening with a lushly hypnotic spell as spacey synth tones aptly move alongside. Prancing acoustic guitar tones complement the warming vocals and calm yet otherworldly soundscape, bolstered by lyrical sentiments like “I am dreaming of the future.” A more universal lament on love ensues, where his vocals rise in gorgeous intensity when letting out “love grows, so does its shadow.” A ghostly, operatic backing vocal presence adds further to the blissful yet powerful atmosphere.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
