An album of great building
San Fermin’s newest release, Arms, is a showcase of indie rock and pop that continuously builds with dramatic layering and unconventional instruments that are not seen much within this genre. The album has nine songs that are all generally similar, the composition is something to be noted as many songs use instruments like horns and what sounds like harps. In the genre of indie rock these instruments are not often showcased as they are here on songs like “Arms” and “Makes Me Want You.” Clad with horns that pulsate and build “Arms” is a standout as it is also the first song to include a guitar solo. The song is very dramatic, as is most of the album.
One thing that San Fermin does well is layering. Many, if not all, of the songs on Arms have some sort of layered aspect. They use this technique to build up their songs and dramatize their sound. This layering can be especially heard in “Can’t Unsee It.”
San Fermin also has multiple vocalists that get their own songs to show off their vocals. The album starts with a deeper and folky vocalist on the song “Weird Enviroment.” This is immediately followed up by a different vocalist with a higher pitched voice on the song “Didn’t Want You To.” Both vocalists can be heard on the last few songs such as, “Wasting on Me” and “Useful Lies.”
This album overall is very similar to itself as you make your way through the songs. The attitude doesn’t change much. Regardless it is a good and fun album to listen to. The difference between the vocalists, the additional orchestral instruments, and upbeat sounds are a delight.
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