Single Review: Boats ‘Spider’s Soul’

Words by Scenewave Australia - Published on August 22, 2014

Boats, aka Blake Paterson, has just blown me away with his debut single Spider’s Soul. A gorgeous mix of acoustic and electronic textures, this is one of the smoothest tracks I’ve heard in a long time.

Produced and mastered by Joshua Delaney and Andrei Eremin (the folks behind the likes of Chet Faker, Oscar Key Sung and Fractures,) it appears that an instantly recognisable style has begun to brew on the streets of Melbourne. While Boats has created a divinely unique sound, it has nevertheless spawned from that unmistakeable hybrid of soulful melodies, rich rhythms and bluesy tones alongside electronic beats and carefully orchestrated synth.

The track begins slowly, with acoustic chords reverberating in slow waves, and a psychedelic guitar lick which continues throughout. Although restrained, those high notes wail above the rest, calling out to be heard and felt.

The syncopated beat kicks in shortly after, and the mellow groove begins. It’s sedate and serene, to an almost nostalgic point. Echoey vocals and gorgeous harmonies come in together, closely followed by a crunchy synth. The electronic layers contrast and complement the acoustic elements with absolute precision, and the result is impeccable.

The increasingly distorted guitar continues to soar, while the vocals bring the whole piece together. All in all, it creates a washed-over soundscape that oozes with hazy tranquility.

Keep an eye out for Boats’ debut EP, set to be released later this year.

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