Arda & The Stolen Moon is the vessel that showcases the work of singer/songwriter Arda G. Her warm and authentic songwriting style is omnipresent in her previous release, album Minutes Into Years. Now, Arda is gearing up for her next full-length project. Outsider in Perpetual Motion, available on May 28th, is an imaginative collection of music that’s one part battle cry, one part creative musical exploration.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Outsider in Perpetual Motion kicks off with the seriously poignant and driving track Emotional Hacking. Diving headfirst into the ills of today’s society, Arda casts them aside, proudly walking to the beat of her own drum, tattoo-less and emoji-less all the while. This “road-less-traveled” attitude is a trending concept these days, and those seeking to forge their own paths outside of current societal norms will find refuge in this track.
The Duke of Icicle has a ’50s-meets-soft-rock vibe to it, with its gentle backing vocals and a chord progression strongly reminiscent of the classic Grease tune Those Magic Changes. The featured vocals of Stefanos Georgiades are deep and full, a perfect complement to the light, flute-like vocals of Arda on this lyric-forward and complex story-telling track.
Creativity is on pure display in Twenty63, where Arda takes us on a time-traveling journey to over forty years in the future. Carried by an energetic brass section, this upbeat track is fun in execution but a little foreboding in its message, warning of things that the future could hold for us, both good and bad.
Wishing is softer and more subdued, with much of the track only containing minimalistic synths and reserved vocals – until the 2:25 mark. Then the track explodes with electronic sounds for an epic and unexpected peak, before we settle back down into the soothing sounds synth sounds once more on the other side.
We also love Upset the Apple Cart, with its crunchy, surf-like guitar tones and strong bass riff moving the track along. This track leans decidedly in a rock direction, more so than many of the other tracks on this album, but the change in sonic texture is both welcome and showcases’ Arda’s artistic range.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Understated, artistic, simplistic, and powerful. Signals is an absolutely gorgeous inclusion on this album. A repetitive guitar riff is the driving force in this song, but the blend of vocals is the highlight. Featuring Sarah Fenwick alongside Arda’s lead vocals and Nama Dama on backing vocals, this combination of voices is textured, authentic, and compelling. And the songwriting here is also among the best on this project. The lyrics are digestible and the message of transforming communication styles is clear:
“There was a time when people spoke in semaphore
From station to station by telescope
Or in early Morse code with signal lamps
Picking blinking lights through binoculars
Then the telegraph came sending electric signs
Through rain and hail on poles carrying wires
And they’d send all their latest news in code
Much quicker than a letter sent by railroad“
IN CONCLUSION…
Arda & The Stolen Moon features a unique brand of singer-songwriter. Arda has a clear passion for her work, and it translates beautifully into her introspective, worldly, and dynamic music. With a crystal clear message of rejecting the status quo, Outsider in Perpetual Motion is a vibrant work that brings in ideas from the outside edges of society and blends them with relatable, well-produced, consumable music. This is an inventive and captivating album that will grab ahold of misfits and fans of modern singer-songwriter music alike. Outsider in Perpetual Motion will be available everywhere on May 28th, but you can preview a few tracks from this beautiful and artistic work below.
—
BELOW: Listen to music from Outsider in Perpetual Motion and connect with her website and social media platforms. Please support Arda & The Stolen Moon by visiting her online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!