As creatives, there is nothing quite like knowing that there are so many out there who support and cherish our art. I can only imagine how Melbourne-rooted songwriter Wren Arkose felt when they wrote their recent single ‘Bones,’ a magnificently emotional tale of struggle and survival during a long-enduring battle with anorexia. Of course, with a song like this, I don’t think anyone could walk away without feeling a deep sense of admiration and respect for Wren Arkose’s journey, but even the story behind the creation of ‘Bones’ drew me in.
‘Bones’ is truly the product of a group of believers that resonates with both Arkose’s style and story. From mentor Bumpy stepping in to help with the song’s structure to The Boite funding a demo session with producer Bailey Judd, there have been so many people who have wanted Arkose to share their soul-stirring talents with the world. After hearing ‘Bones,’ I feel exactly the same way, so let’s get straight into this gorgeously powerful masterpiece.
Bones
Haunted by a thickening fog of ominous ambience, the introduction of ‘Bones’ slips into Arkose’s vocals as if it were snapping out of an ocean-deep reverie. In the crisp reality that their voice nurtures, there is nowhere to hide, no performative flourish to veil or soften the heart-stilling emotion that wreathes their pure timbre.
Because of this minimalist composition, the intricate nooks of Arkose’s vocal beauty become as bright as a hearth in the winter. The way in which they pour themself into every lyric inspires thoughts of unhurried snowflakes falling to the ground. There’s a captivating tenderness within every note that enriches the balletic descent toward the crux of Arkose’s struggle. Not only that, but there’s a certain coldness to their performance during the first half of the track that blends beautifully with the measured, frail plucks of the guitar.
The only thing that could potentially rival the beauty of Wren Arkose’s delivery is the potent poignancy that makes deeply dug warrens out of the lyrics. ‘Hiding from my skin and bones,’ ‘Ghostly outlines of my ex-girl / I once placed her above my own world,’ and ‘Counting ribs with my fingertips.’ What do lines like these all have in common? They’re poetry. Better still, they’re the type of poetry that hits you out of nowhere and demands to spill in one almost feverish writing session. The dauntless vulnerability within the words that Arkose uses made it all too believable that they were hunched over their notebook during a 40-minute explosion of emotion and inspiration.
As we move into the second half of the track, there is a gorgeous buildup of energy, one that is carried by the firm pulses of the guitar and the gentle eruption of vibrancy in Arkose’s performance. At this point, the melody no longer resembles that of a solitary snowflake falling to the ground but rather a glittering, transformative snowstorm. For me, this part of the song symbolises a desperately burning hope for change, and an ever-strengthening desire to overcome one’s demons. It carries the gentle strength of someone picking themselves back up again.
Then, the ending of the song snatches the liveliness from the melody, and we glide back into the heart-rending silkiness that held our attention at the start of the track. With only a handful of tranquil twangs from the guitar by their side, Wren Arkose leads us into a loud silence, one that is studded with the purity of their final words and the hope for a liberating brand of peace. ‘Bones’ is truly and ineffably beautiful.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/wren.arkose/
ALT: Alt-rock vocalist Wren Arkose smiles widely as they stand with their face turned upwards toward the sunlight that spills through a window.
Wren Arkose
Originally from Waka Waka country, Wren Arkose is now penning their masterfully crafted songs on Wurundjeri land, a place that has offered no shortage of inspiration for them.
Back in 2019, Arkose performed at an open mic night at Brunswick’s Retreat Hotel, and their performance was so captivating that they would go on to receive an invite to a jam session at Bakehouse Studio. From this point on, Wren Arkose has refined their unique style, a style that flaunts the best of dreamy folk flecked with an alt-rock flair. It’s this particular brand of ‘sad girl’ music that has led to Arkose’s performances at the Brunswick Music Festival, Sidney Myer Music Bowl’s Live at the Bowl, Yirramboi Festival, St Kilda Festival, and Port Fairy Folk Festival.
They’ve even taken to dominating the airwaves, their songs having wowed the listeners of many popular radio stations, including ABC Melbourne, Triple J, 3KND, and Triple R.
There’s one very clear thing to take away from Wren Arkose’s milestones, and that is that their stage does not matter. Regardless of where or how Wren Arkose performs, there will always be a crowd that wants more. I count myself as a part of that crowd, especially after hearing ‘Bones.’ Don’t you?
‘Bones’ is available to listen to right now across all major streaming platforms!
Till next time!