It’s been five years since War Violet’s Jummy Aremu released her TASCAM-recorded folk-rock EP Getaway, a slight expansion upon the title track’s ramshackle lo-fi sound. With little in the way of new recordings since then, the NYC-based songwriter has returned today with a new single called “Different Formations” released by the iconic and increasingly prolific indie label Kill Rock Stars. In place of her prior output’s tape hiss charm is a lushly baroque sound that reflects its out-of-body influence. “This song was written at a time when I was dealing with insomnia,” the musician shares. “In my half-asleep, half-awake state I often felt as if I was floating above Earth. I observed Earth from afar as a spectator, and thought to myself, ‘If I was not here, then where would I be?’
As for the lyrics, Aremu sorts through the complex relationship with our celestial home which we’re slowly and willingly killing off. “‘Different Formations’ is about coming to terms with the decay of our Earth and atmosphere, and our search for meaning,” she continues. “It is about the ways in which we live on Earth like we want to escape it. I wanted to indulge in the chaos and irony of Earth, and make a song that was beautiful, but sad. A letter to the wonderful and horrifying chaos of earth, a place where there is extreme beauty, but also decay, all happening at once.”
Listen along below, and if you’re in Nashville you can find War Violet at Americanafest this Saturday—full schedule here.
