"Animal Song, I don’t belong
Cuts through the night, spirits in flight"

In life, many of us have been, will be called by a sound, a song. But what if you don’t know what you’re listening for? How will you recognize it? The Violet Archers’ “Animal Song” runs towards that feeling with hope and earnesty.

"Wake in the light, echoes of night
I’m hanging on to my Animal Song"

Rooted in a steady marching drum beat, seeming to emanate from the earth, the song’s pace feels bon-vivant, a waterfall in steady flow. The acoustic guitar riff is a birdsong, compelling us to turn towards the feelings galloping our way. Like open arms, the production is spacious and clear. A shimmering synth rises like mountain air in wide open skies, matching Tim Vesely’s heartfelt words.

"Listening in I’m dreaming again
Run with the sound and when it’s done it’s gone"

Vesely's vocal’s are a balanced blend of powerful and gentle, rooted in a trust of nature and the bravery to explore one’s own inner wilds. There is also a familiar warmth in the backing vocals. Perhaps it’s because there’s nothing like the company of an old friend, as legendary folk rocker Sarah Harmer joins Vesely and holds us with her tender tone. (Harmer sang with Vesely before on his Rheostatics’ album, Harmelodia. As we sway and bop along to the melody, and the irresistibly sunny-runny “ooh oohs”, the pair call and answer the sweet repetition of “My Animal Song”.’

"Can’t take too much, shy to the touch
Can’t take it home, can’t write it down"

“Animal Song” wastes no time, pulls no punches, with an energy that brings us to a runner’s high, heart pumping with charged inner-iron. It’s a song that’s about living in the moment, following your instincts, having guts. Simple in its sound and message, “Animal Song” is a driving, beating heart, its own song that calls to all of us, and our own animal that lives inside each of us, wanting to be wild.

THE HORIZON LINE PLAYLIST:
Listen to this week's Horizon Line playlist inspired by "Animal Song" by The Violet Archers.