Dua Saleh haunts the listener with a reflection of hope in “angel rock”. The critically acclaimed Sudanese-American artist creates a fascinating soundscape in their last single of 2020 with a Blood Orangey guitar, ethereal vocals, and a chillingly beautiful viola. The viola has a richer and lower tone as opposed to its violin cousin, which gives this song a dense, deep darkness.
It feels as though some new words need to be invented to more fully describe the vibe of “angel rock”— for now, it can only be described in feelings. In Saleh’s own words, “People crumble into themselves in moments of despair & hope is the only way through.” We hear these thoughts spoken to us from the cryptically allusive vocals and we hear its soul composing every note of the profoundly beautiful viola solo at the end.
“angel rock” is sublime, indescribable, reflective. it is new and ancient, and a reminder of humankind’s deus ex machina: hope.
Listen Below:
Written by Lola Works
Velvet Noise 