Following on from their two stunning single releases ‘Oracle’ and ‘Clouds’, Central Coast based duo Chymes (multi-instrumentalist Cameron Taylor and vocalist Kiersten Nyman) have finally unveiled their latest effort, their stunning four track EP Grow.
Masters of crafting delicate electro pop, Grow was born from a period of experimentation for Chymes as they explain “it developed into everything we had hoped it would be. Grow’s stories have overtones of expressing ones self in an attempt to learn that the protagonist (whoever that may be) is involved in something larger then themselves.
“We wanted to keep our lyrics reasonably streamlined/simple so that the listener can provide their own meaning and context to them – relationship, personal, universal etc. We sought to create delicate sounds on a bed of open spaces that ebb and flow with the story, an attempt at a kind of intimacy that draws you into its own little world.”
In celebration of the release of Grow, the pair have penned a track by track run down of the EP which you can check out below along with the record stream.
To launch the EP, the duo will be hosting a month long residency every Wednesday night in July at Surry Hills’ The White Horse, for all the info visit the band’s Facebook page. You can also pre OrderGrow via Apple Music and iTunes.
Oracle
‘Oracle’ started off as something we were really unsure of in the beginning. The song is about someone who distracts themselves with unnecessary fantasies of who they are/who they should be or want to be. You can see that person is being self-destructive and you feel you can help them, but they won’t listen.
We wanted to keep the lyrics somewhat ambiguous so the listener can provide their own meaning, it could mean anything to anyone. Once we changed the tempo and stripped it back it took a new form. It became a bit dark and moody but with elements of bouncy playfulness.
Clouds
‘Clouds’ alludes to the idea that sometimes our own perceptions and expectations of ourselves get in the way of allowing us to become vulnerable to someone or something. It suggests embracing the excitement of uncertainty and implies that the feeling of being exposed isn’t such a bad thing.
Grow
‘Grow’ was the first track we wrote for this EP. It definitely wrote itself. We felt like it was appropriate to title the EP the same as we felt we really developed as songwriters and found our direction. The lyrics allude to the push and pull themes involved in personal growth. It could be about a personal trouble one is having and whether they will give in or persevere.
However it could also be about relationship turmoil; two lovers, one of which feels like they are mistreated but refuses to leave as they love their partner “I won’t go out in the cold, I will not fold”. Should they stay together or not?
Colours
‘Colours’ is another favourite but we love them all for different reasons. It has many sides lyrically. It can be interpreted as an honest experience about going through a journey with someone or just with yourself.
It may be about a person loving and admiring their partner/friend/mentor for being a positive influence in their life and accepting and appreciating guidance from another. However, it can (like all our songs) allow the audience to bring their own meaning to the story.
