Losing somebody you love is one of the hardest things we have to go through in life. To express those feelings in music or to deal with the struggle by making music or art is one of the most beautiful ways we can keep their memory alive and dedicate something new and lasting to them. Astara’s single “Come Back”, is a direct and wonderful tribute to her late brother, and the emotion and creative effort that has gone into it is wonderful.
Considering the title of the track, the song represents a certain darkness that is explored in a poetic and unquestionably honest manner. The melody is incredibly effective in portraying each line and each idea in a way that makes certain you’ve taken it in. From a songwriting perspective, the whole thing progresses in a powerful and distinctly emotional way. There are one or two lines within the song that really provoke a reaction and stay with you after listening – the song’s hook not least of all has a definite strength. You really only need to hear this release once to familiarize yourself with it and to then recognise the music or indeed the Astara signature sound thereafter. Her personality and musicianship come through in equal parts and it makes for a truly unique listening experience.
The final element involved in this piece of musical artistry is the lyrics, and you really have to appreciate the detail, the story telling, and the smooth and genuine movement from the past to the now within a less than four minute space. From the light hearted memories of the opening verse, to the intensity and struggle of the later years, the pain, and then on to the peace, the reminiscing again of his strength, her positive influence. The arrangement of these lyrics work in unison with the development of the music and showcase sublime songwriting abilities and structural awareness.
As an artist, Astara offers open and unapologetic lyricism, creative musical sculpting, and a personal truth that is likely to connect with a number of audiences who have been through similar experiences or are feeling the same way about their current circumstances. The best art always comes from a willingness to show your true colors and to express those inner feelings that are otherwise painted over or ignored, particularly in mainstream music. This single is beautiful and comes with a fearless level of expression and a relevant element of the unexpected that undeniably works in its favor. Hopefully there’s more to come.
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