Tiger Silko‘s latest single, “Killer,” is a stunningly beautiful piece of music. The song is full of gentle, yet haunting vocals and wonderfully atmospheric sounds.
The song has a wonderfully stripped-back arrangement. After some warm guitar, the song develops a slow and steady beat, giving it a steady foundation. The addition of flute-like sounds– both real flute and mellotron, I believe– adds a sense of mystique and intrigue. The use of reverb further adds to the dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.
The spoken word verse in Japanese towards the end of the song adds an extra layer to the arrangement. I am not sure what is being recited, but I liked it. The pulsing flute sounds then return to lead the listener into a final crescendo. “Killer” gains a real awesome depth and moody texture as this final section arrives. It is simply lush.
Throughout the song, Tiger Silko’s vocal is truly gorgeous, with expressive tones, yet gentle delivery. It perfectly captures the reflective and introspective mood of the song. The lyrics are equally impressive, with the artist exploring themes of death, redemption, and the duality of human nature.
