A Beautiful Mix of Heartache and Sentimentality

New York-based artist Helly Manson, also known as Foil, recently released a new album entitled On The Wing. A collection of nostalgic songs and tones, this album engulfs the listener in the comforting sounds of their childhood with surprisingly dark lyrics.

The first track, “Don’t Look,” gives listeners a taste of the lighthearted mood and instrumentation paired with gloomy lyrics. Samples of children laughing, soft, harp-like melodies and music-box arpeggios are heard throughout this bittersweet tune while Foil sings, “Think I’m spacing out/Can’t quite hold it now.”

At the forefront of “Twit” is the boomwhacker-like driving and loopable phrase. This track’s atmospheric and tropical vibe provides a pleasant change of pace, with layering instruments, bouncy blips of sound and soft vocals heard throughout. Following “Twit” is the adorable, silly tune, “March of the Ants.” Containing pan flutes, bells and buzzy synths, this track is filled with nostalgic, child-like, bouncy melodies. The cheery and playful nature of this tune is analogous to the soundtrack of the Nintendo game Pikmin.

“Comb Your Hair” is a minimalistic yet slightly ominous track. The quick, fluttering and bubbly synth patterns played over Foil’s quiet and airy “ahs” set the vaguely off-putting mood. The suspense of the track builds as the repeated synth line raises in intervals. “Sheep’s Clothing” reorients the listener with the pre-established electronic pop vibe, except this time it is much more robotic. This track is filled with plenty of compelling factory-like noises, such as whirring and drilling. The weird yet catchy groove of this track makes it stand out from the rest.

“Alchemist” is a beautiful and fresh piece that highlights Foil’s clear, emotive vocals. Brassy synths and bright organs are played over low-pitched humming. The mood of this track shifts with the entrance of punchy, rhythmic drums, sparkling synth harmonies and flute lines. Perhaps the triumphant instrumentals resemble Foil’s attempt at recovering from heartbreak as they sing, “Sorely missed/You must be some kind of alchemist/Green abyss/Turn me to gold before I break to bits.”

On The Wing is an elegantly raw and melodic album all around. Foil’s longing and dismal lyrics pair profoundly well with the nostalgic and lighthearted instrumentation. This album is filled with emotional imagery.