'Atmosfolk' duo Saint Sister share otherworldly debut single "Madrid" [Premiere]
24 September 2015, 09:45
| Written by
Hannah J Davies
Previously solo artists in their own right, classically-trained Gemma Doherty from Derry and Belfast-born singer Morgan MacIntyre decided to join forces last year as Saint Sister. Today's Song Of The Day is taken from the duo's upcoming four-track EP of the same name, produced by Hozier bassist Alex Ryan.
Doherty and MacIntyre have coined the term "atmosfolk" to describe their ethereal compositions, which come complete with an electro edge.
Initially, "Madrid" is focused around a simple synth loop and a brisk drum beat, melting around a fragile vocal. Soon, however, gentle electro-acoustic harp melodies enter the fold, fading in and out of the foreground. Echoey backing vocals and canons fashion a sense of otherworldliness. The repeated refrain of "I would only meet you there" points to a need for unity, and who better to sing about it than these soulful soul sisters, as they sonically merge from both sides of the isle. Speaking about the track, Saint Sister says: “'Madrid' deals with themes of loneliness and idolisation. It leans heavily on 'the grass is always greener' notion. Madrid could be anywhere, the location itself isn't important. What is important is the feeling that you are not there and even if you were, you wouldn't necessarily be happier.” Madrid EP is released bia Trout Records on 13 November. Download for free now from Bandcamp.
Initially, "Madrid" is focused around a simple synth loop and a brisk drum beat, melting around a fragile vocal. Soon, however, gentle electro-acoustic harp melodies enter the fold, fading in and out of the foreground. Echoey backing vocals and canons fashion a sense of otherworldliness. The repeated refrain of "I would only meet you there" points to a need for unity, and who better to sing about it than these soulful soul sisters, as they sonically merge from both sides of the isle. Speaking about the track, Saint Sister says: “'Madrid' deals with themes of loneliness and idolisation. It leans heavily on 'the grass is always greener' notion. Madrid could be anywhere, the location itself isn't important. What is important is the feeling that you are not there and even if you were, you wouldn't necessarily be happier.” Madrid EP is released bia Trout Records on 13 November. Download for free now from Bandcamp.
Latest
- Car Seat Headrest present new single, "CCF (I’m Gonna Stay With You)"
- Common Holly signs to Keeled Scales and announces new album, Anything glass
- Wire announce two special Record Store Day releases
- The Beaches return to announce third album, No Hard Feelings
- No Windows unveil new single, "Easter Island"
- Nick Mulvey details fourth studio album, Dark Harvest (Pt. 1) and accompanying world tour
- S.G. Goodman announces her third studio album, Planting by the Signs
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
Read next
Listen
Flavours' "Ground Up" is an intoxicatingly groovy bouquet
Bedridden’s "Philadelphia Got Me Through" feels like stepping into a mosh pit of angry gymnasts
Burgeoning indie-pop group late night drive home explore the dangers of the internet in “terabyte”
Escapist alt-pop auteur Erin LeCount presents her latest labyrinthine track "Marble Arch"
Waiting for Smith's "I Like Life" is a sun-soaked gambol
Sink into a blistering shoegaze soundscape with green star’s latest track “four-o-five”
Reviews

Great Grandpa
Patience, Moonbeam
26 Mar 2025

Deafheaven
Lonely People With Power
26 Mar 2025

Perfume Genius
Glory
26 Mar 2025

IDER
Late to the World
18 Mar 2025