Genres, well, you know my opinion, they gotta keep evolving, it’s what they should do…it’s what they must do, and you can argue that “Fate,” the fresh cut from Piperlain, is the sound of that evolution in progress within the modern folk scene. But hold up, that might be shortchanging the song a bit because there’s a whole lot more at play here than just folk music trying to keep up with the times. Or maybe that’s precisely the point.
So, let’s call it folk music, for want of a better handle for now, but it’s folk music with a universal charm. Part of that allure stems from the pop-conscious vibe coursing through its veins, part of it comes from the bluesy-rock guitar slashes cutting through the tune. Yet, the real charm and attraction is how damn smart and finely crafted this song is, executed with sheer brilliance. Yeah, it’s packed with rootsy elements—ethereal vocals, accordion (I think), chiming acoustics, and buoyant beats. But, it also wanders into the realm of progressive sound structures and throws in a hint of Oriental or arabesque flair here and there. Genre and geography are both on shaky ground here. And that can only be a good thing.
Now, the finger-in-the-ear, Arran sweatered folk police might grumble about authenticity, but seriously, don’t we need music to construct bright new futures rather than endlessly dig into darkening worn-out pasts? That’s exactly the deal here. And let’s be real, genres are so last century, so why bother sticking to those tired old rules? Why indeed?
The more I play “Fate”, the more it unfolds its audio treasures. You start picking up on its nuances, diving into its sonic depths. There’s something about their blend of traditional folk vibes and modern kicks, that mix of comfort and adventure, the sound of the past and the potential of what’s to come. Piperlain sounds both comfortingly familiar and astonishingly fresh.
The music’s sharp, delicately delivered—maybe too understated to be a roaring anthem in the traditional sense, but it’s a poignant, low-key anthem nonetheless, especially when it hits those lush later stages of its sonic build.
And the message, man, it’s spot-on. Personal and intimate, yet universal and relatable. A love song, sure, but one that taps into that universal longing, that need for emotional sustenance. If the essence of music isn’t to inform, raise hellish questions, thrust vital issues into everyday talk, make ideas accessible, broadcast thoughts, and link up with like-minded souls—all while keeping us entertained—then what the hell is it? This song checks all those boxes and then some in a sweet, sonically gratifying fashion.
