Árný - 'Barriers'
Icelandic singer, songwriter and lyricist Árný breaks down our 'Barriers' with her intimate new single taken from her gorgeous 8-track album, 'See Through'.
Through organic and wistful fingerpicking rises Árný's heartachingly beautiful vocal and it is instantly clear, Árný knows her way around affecting melodies to support her thoughtful, soul-baring lyrics. Having grown up in a town of less than 500 people, there's an initial sparseness to 'Barriers' that feels secluded and longing. These feelings are a a perfect accompaniment to the introspective narrative to the song as Árný confronts her own responsibility in feeling held back "by barriers... barriers I built myself".
'Barriers' is a personal journey but a relatable one for anyone who is self-aware and has ever had an internal struggle with themselves. While a melancholy undercurrent charges through the song, there is no self-pity in the vulnerability here, just bravery. Combining subtle electronics, folk underpinnings and gleaming cinematic touches, 'Barriers' evolves to shiver with a magical Nordic chill, but the warm hand of hope can be seen to breathe life into the glacial nuances. Árný's lyrical journey becomes more confident as the track develops and self-realization becomes a place for transformation. 'Barrier's is undeniably beautiful in every way, and the added bonus is, the track sits alongside 7 other wonderful songs on 'See Through' which is a glorious listen from start to finish.
Words of Karla Harris