A few keen readers are likely to be at SXSW this week. If that’s the case, I have a tip-off for you. Gearing up for his South-By-Southwest debut (including four showcases, listed below), indie-rock voyager Foliage has recently released ‘One Side Waits While the Other Fakes’, a fine piece of darkwave-inspired, retro-flavoured goodness, all treated in the dreamy, nostalgic goo so common to the project.
Taking a leap forward from his acclaimed 2018 album ‘III’, Manuel Joseph Walker embraces punchy drum machines and synthy atmospheres, making for a sonic imprint that’s dazzling, intense and kaleidoscopic. Vocals are quite lo-fi as always, certainly melodic and evocative. Such a quirky, alternative aural concoction feels uptempo and intricate, mirroring “the psychological tension of a high-stakes game, where truth and illusion dance precariously” – a nod to the unpredictability of pursuing a career in arts and music.
Delving into the inspiration behind ‘One Side Waits While the Other Fakes’, Foliage continues: “The song title and lyrics come from a bittersweet place of working through-the-levels as an artist in the music industry. The track represents being excluded by the so-called ‘higher-ups,’ whether that’s other artists or industry-involved people, yet still coming out on top. The music world is a gamble, and this track’s atmosphere, visuals, and art perfectly sum that up”.
Foliage (aka Manuel Joseph Walker) will appear at SXSW in Austin this week:
March 12: 11:00pm — Valhalla
March 13: DISCO x Amuse Showcase
March 14: 8:00pm — Shangri-La
March 15: 10:00pm — Speakeasy Kabaret
Recommended! Discover ‘One Side Waits While the Other Fakes’ on Spotify:
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