On September 20th, Copenhagen three-piece When Saints Go Machine unveiled two new singles titled “Chainsaw” and “Trying.” The pair of singles were the independent group’s first release of 2024, diving into more organic sounds than they have previously explored in an attempt to amplify the humanity they hope these tracks communicate.
Although “Chainsaw” does dive into these organic sounds, the synths and guitars that serve as the bedrock of the track are heavily modulated. However, this modulation creates a full, enveloping soundscape for singer Nikolaj Manuel Vonsild’s vocals to dance in. The fullness of the production complements the emotional message of the song.
The track heart wrenchingly details the turmoil of lost love, from wanting to run back to them to the pain of knowing they’re gone, especially with this line in the chorus.
My blood / The color of empty dance floors / And it cut like a chainsaw / To feel so alone
“Chainsaw” sounds rounded, like you’re being wrapped in a bubble. Once you’re there, you can’t help sitting with the band in their sadness. It’s easy to get lost in the soundscape and not realize you’ve been floating with them until the track’s sharp ending.
In contrast, “Trying” is much more about moving forward rather than letting your emotions make you stagnant. The track creates this feeling through the repetition of two key phrases.
The first – “pave the grey with something good” – is the most direct representation of this movement motive. As they begs for the darkness of their situation to be propelled forward by some new joy, the band implores the song’s muse to “Shine on, Violet yellow.” They are asking them to keep shining, even though they can’t bask in their light anymore, which is hauntingly beautiful and sincere.
These thematic similarities between these two singles are their key connection, as there is a crispness to “Trying” in its production that allows the track to stand out from its counterpart.
While the instruments themselves are not has heavily modified as they are on “Chainsaw,” the use of reversed synth hits and hi-hats add a clever layer to the track both thematically and sonically.
These reversed sounds are played during each verse and begin playing forward as soon as Vonsild sings the “shine on” line. This small detail gives the song a sense of clarity and a more clearly defined sense of direction.
It’s choices like this that make these singles work, and the group’s new organic sound, work beautifully. Make sure you stream “Chainsaw” and “Trying” wherever you get your music, and stay tuned in for more on When Saints Go Machine’s next stylistic adventure.
Leave a comment