“Flame” by Thomas Bernard Howard is one of the most genuinely unique songs you’ll ever hear. With its spacey, rhythmically amorphous atmosphere and its heavenly vocal performance, it feels almost like you’re listening to someone sing in an empty cathedral. You’ll be left speechless, breathless, and totally awestruck.
A drone buzzes as an electric guitar toggles between a choice set of notes. Reverb practically soaks into every crevice of the mix. “I remember that day when I was on my way…” Thomas Bernard Howard’s deep, resonating voice rings out over the simple instrumentation. The lyrics are introspective and retrospective all at once. The energy of each phrase delicately matches the sound, building a solid, identifiable atmosphere. With a small doorbell-esque motif, we’re thrust into a new section. The melody gets a little higher and settles on slightly more dissonant chord tones, although it still has that beautiful, gratifying softness.
About three-quarters of the way through the song, synth bass floods the low end and provides us with these ominous chords. The ambiance changes drastically, if only for a few seconds, to something a bit dark. This tiny departure juxtaposes the mood and changes the artistic trajectory a bit.
If you’re into experimental or even classical music, you’ll love this track. Thomas Bernard Howard did something different with this track, and it just works. You’ll feel emotions you’ve never received from a piece of music before—guaranteed. So, be sure to give him a follow and a listen on your choice of social media platform or streaming service!
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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