Icelandic guitarist, songwriter, and producer Ari Árelíus derives his name from the stoic Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius. With his upcoming album, Frank Poison and the Manufactured Feelings, released by the US label FOUND RECORDINGS, Ari continues to draw from his eclectic musical inspirations and philosophical background, transforming the mundane into an eclectic ecstasy. His previous album, Hiatus Terræ, garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for the prestigious Kraumur Awards and a shortlist spot for Iceland’s national music awards. A sought-after collaborator, Ari has played guitar with Barcelona-based Pale Moon and London-based artists Ash Walker and Laville.
With a twinkle in his eye and a complete grasp of his instrument, Árelíus’s gentle vocals navigate folksy finger plucking on “The Bridge.” The artist’s latest single crafts a hypnotic guitar melody juxtaposed by thudding yet equally whimsical drums, a contradicting yet inviting backdrop for his meaningful songwriting. “The Bridge” feels like an exploration of sonic conflict, each element employing a tone that competes with the next. Árelíus fearlessly enters this battleground to deliver a dynamically stunning vocal performance with a poetic approach to modern folk rock. In a world of conformity, “The Bridge” challenges listeners to get lost in the complexity of the musicianship, and on the other side, is a beautifully executed experimental folk song with unforgettable guitar work.
“Building a bridge symbolizes, for me, a will to move forward, to transcend the chaos, the emotional challenges, the capitalistic noise,” explains Árelíus “It’s the fundamental human agenda, whether on a personal level when dealing with our own narratives of love and heartbreak or when viewing humanity’s broader struggle to adapt. This song delves into themes of change, loss, and the effort to find direction amid both personal and environmental upheaval, reflecting the quest for growth in an uncertain inner and outer world.”
