Track of the day: Kohla – “Heavenly”

Kohla has been a frequent favorite of mine in the last few months, and they continue to impress. Kohla’s “Heavenly” feels like a love letter penned in golden ink on the torn pages of nostalgia. Evident from the very first notes is the amalgamation of her deep-seated passion for classical orchestration and her vibrant tapestry of influences ranging from Sam Cooke to FKA twigs.

One cannot traverse through “Heavenly” without being whisked away into a vintage cinematic universe. From the sweeping strings provided by Popgirlz Scotland’s talented Siobhan Wilson (cello) and Louise Cameron (violin) to Kohla’s own ethereal vocals, the track feels like a delicate dance between old-world charm and modern musings. The fact that the song was inspired by classical gems like Mozart’s ‘Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622: II. Adagio’ becomes evident in the track’s deeply sentimental and layered orchestration.

The lyricism in “Heavenly” manages to seamlessly transport its listener to a realm of time-stopped moments. Lines like “Gold were the moonlight hours when your heart was mine for a little while” echo sentiments of timeless beauty and lost love. Kohla’s introspective musings on the duality of love, its joy and pain, culminate in an emotive chorus that lingers long after the song fades.

Kohla, as an artist, has a unique ability to create a soundscape that is as diverse as it is cohesive. With roots in classic soul and nods to contemporary greats like Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean, her sound is a melting pot of evocative jazz pop and moody electronica, each track a sepia-toned snapshot of memories both cherished and pained.

“Heavenly” stands as a testament to Kohla’s vast musical knowledge and her meticulous approach to song crafting. With co-production by Dave Lloyd of Stillhound, the song is polished, poised, and profoundly moving. It serves as a prime introduction to her debut album, ‘Romance,’ promising listeners a journey through love’s various nuances, colored in both the vibrancy of modern day and the warmth of vintage reels.

In a music world constantly chasing the “new,” Kohla reminds us of the power of timelessness. She doesn’t merely craft songs; she sculpts stories, inviting us to reminisce, reflect, and relive. “Heavenly” is not just a song, it’s an experience — one of deep emotion and intricate beauty.

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