Establishing the mood with water sounds, akin to natural springs, and a subtle panning synth, Ker opens Wōndering on Giants with intrigue before expanding with astral piano and cosmically intertwined acoustic guitar.
The opus evolves with poetic prowess as Ker shares descriptive and metaphorical prose. We appreciate the conceptual nature of what he is manifesting. There is already no doubt that Ker is an artist who writes and creates with intention.
The instrumentation is sublime, with an additional electric guitar and bass, along with the textured nature of the drums, creating a cohesive tapestry of sound. Ker confesses that the song is inspired by hill walking in the Highlands and the rugged landscapes of north west Montana, where Ker‘s musical awakening first took place.
Lyrically, the song delves into the three-way dynamic between land, humanity, and the forces that shape them. It uses mountains as silent witnesses to ambition, endurance and time. As for the nuanced message, Ker confesses, “I wanted the not just draw on the majesty of nature, but try to avoid cliches and to be a bit more ‘existential’ without hopefully being in any way to ‘grandiose’.”
Wōndering on Giants has a zeitgeist appeal, as it highlights the magnificent nature of our planet, whilst creating a commentary on environmental and societal issues. It’s smart, yet accessible. We appreciate the subtleties and the high emotional quotient and intellectual quotient that Ker taps into.
We learn that Ker is the musical moniker of Scottish songwriter and producer Barry G.K. Thomson. Wōndering on Giants marks his debut single, which also serves as the opening statement from his forthcoming album Converging Paths.
Ker cites The Beatles, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Pink Floyd as sonic influences, which we can feel come to life here, but there is no doubt that Ker is birthing a unique folk-rock sound unto his own. Thomson wrote the lyrics and played both rhythm and lead guitars, whilst Pete Fairbairn shares his skill on keys and bass, with Ross Mackenzie on drums. The song was recorded by Andrew Entwistle in North Berwick and mixed and mastered by Jamie Graham at the Washhouse Studio, known for its association with the late John Martyn.
Naturally, we have added Wōndering on Giants to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we await the release of Converging Paths!