Sometimes it can be difficult to separate the noise from the music.
Whether it be an oversaturation of sound in a piece or even overexposure of the artist themselves, it can be challenging for a song to give itself the space to grip the listener in a way that is simultaneously tasteful, unique, and simple. On indie rockers Puppets For Poets‘ single “Distance,” they manage to do just that.
The single is part of their bigger vision and brand new album, Boat of Dreams, which officially hit streaming services mere hours ago.
Hailing from sunny southwest Florida, Puppets for Poets is not your typical indie rock band; they’re more of a creative concept helmed by a mysterious multi-instrumentalist.
The idea for the project came from a producer friend, Rich Jacques, who encouraged the band to take a stripped-down approach to their music in order to give their impressive melodies the space to truly shine. With influences like Crooked Fingers and The National, the music of Puppets for Poets is “a fusion of melancholic beauty, haunting melodies, and introspective ideas that invite listeners to find comfort in the band’s relatable lyrics and sonic adventures.”
This description rings especially true for their September single, “Distance.”
The track perfectly encapsulates Puppets for Poets’ sound and its overall feeling of comfort, beauty, and introspection. Opening with a soft yet deep guitar rhythm, “Distance” is something of a slow burn; every aspect of the song, from the vocals to the production style, feels smooth and buttery, and while it remains slow and simple, it never gets dull. As the song progresses, it changes while maintaining its sparse yet full sound by adding in some calming and light percussion rhythms.
The final lines of the chorus, “All I know is when I’m with you / The world seems right,” are touching and resonating, and the melodic vocals connect with the listener, pulling them into the story and sway of the song.
Boat of Dreams also features their previous singles “California,” “Miss You,” and “Better Place.”
Inspired by studies into consciousness and non-duality, Puppets for Poets’ music offers something a little off the beaten path for those looking.
