by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Los Angeles’ Syko Friend makes music that feels meditative and comforting while the reality of the songs are far more challenging than any passive listening would allow. The solo project of Sophie Weil is rooted in a stark minimalism, but where her previous album Fontanelle embraced an almost ambient/drone approach to her poetic folk, that experimental drift has been pulled back on The Code, her upcoming album. Due out August 19th via Post Present Medium (Chronophage, Chalk, Mayako XO), Syko Friend’s latest favors skeletal string performances, with a focus on both acoustic and electric compositions. Her sound remains austere, but there’s an added immediacy to the songs, even as they wander around Weil’s lyrical folk treaties.
Having already shared lead single “Balloon,” we’re given another glimpse into The Code with “Stars Fight Many,” the album’s delicate closer. The slow burn of the track and its stunning but simplistic dynamics feel calm and serene but ground shaking in presence. Every note rings for maximum impact, delivered softly but radiant, with the gentle progression creating an aire of tension. Pinched harmonics lead the way, careening ever so quietly through the still breeze, before everything drops out and Weil’s vocals are all that remain in focus. Her words appear and stick, cemented as she paints a picture of boldness and human nature. Then the singular guitar line arrives, which feels both grounded and emotionally destructive (although tonally gorgeous). Syko Friend employ their brand of minimalism to great effect, with subtlety that in turn feels enormous.