Drawing us in with soft yet atmospheric percussion with an industrial edge and astral tones, Zoé-Loes opens Sanctuary with poetic prowess as she shares the lyrics, “She closes her eyes, so she can’t see the fire, she imagines a world that blooms like a garden…”
We appreciate the ethereal and psychedelic notions that manifest. The brooding piano performance adds a deeply human layer and high emotional quotient to the song. We love Zoé-Loes‘ passionate delivery as the opus expands.
There is an almost James Bond 007 vibe to the track, and fans of Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish will be able to connect with what Zoé-Loes is creating. In essence, the dramatic song is about escaping from an overwhelming and painful reality by creating a safe place inside our own minds.
The concept of the fire represents the chaos, stress and trauma we might not be able to face, whilst the garden, flowers, forest and rain symbolise healing, peace and emotional renewal. The song is brilliantly written and the metaphorical depth is sublime.
There is an undeniable zeitgeist nature to the song because of societal conversations around mental health and the need for emotional escape. It is relatable on a personal and universal level. It serves as a call to action for us to build our own inner sanctuaries through imagination – a protection mantra of sorts.
Sanctuary also holds a cinematic allure, and would be perfect for a self-realized and psychedelic TV show like Nine Perfect Strangers. Speaking on the release, Zoé-Loes says, “Whether you are fighting your own emotional battles or searching for a place to heal, this song is for you. Everyone has their own unique sanctuary, and I wanted this track to celebrate that strength.”
Needless to say, we are in awe of the haunting and psychologically astute track, and have added Sanctuary to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Zoé-Loes, including Changing Colour, and Her Song.