This week’s Track of the Week is brought to us by Swedish singer-songwriter José González.
González is known for blending soft, folk guitars with other elements including electronic and world music. His newest single, “Leaf Off/The Cave”, from his third full length album Vestiges and Claws, is a perfect example.
The majority of the track consists of González’ upbeat guitar rhythm over gentle percussion containing claves and hand-claps, while the opening vocals add an ethereal quality to the mix. Lyrically, the song focuses on leaving behind the old and moving along to the new.
The second half of the track’s title is in reference to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, which focuses on the same theme. While González is certainly not the first artist to sing about this subject, he does so with interesting lyrics and simple but beautiful instrumentals.
You can check out the entrancing video below for “Leaf Off/The Cave” and read more about his music on his website.
Vestiges and Claws is out on February 17 via Mute Records.