Rhona Macfarlane – Closing the Window (EP)
Independent – Out Now
It seems that 2021 was the year of reflective music. From Karima Walker to Cassandra Jenkins, Ben Howard to Wyndow, almost every project released last year could be described as reflective in their unique ways. It should be no surprise, given that, in 2021, we were into our second year of a worldwide pandemic that left many of us feeling anxious, uncertain, and isolated. In keeping with this common theme, Rhona Macfarlane’s latest EP, Closing the Window, explores the feelings of solitude and inward reflection she felt during the last two years. However, her approach isn’t one of melancholy or anxiety but one of hope and acceptance.
Macfarlane is a multitalented Glasgow-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, violinist; the list goes on. Following on from her debut EP, The Tide, which was released back in 2017, Closing the Window builds upon these foundations, this time adding string accompaniments that are arranged and played by Macfarlane herself. The EP is also produced by Matt Ingram, who is best known for his work with Laura Marling. Ingram also helps flesh out the sound with drums, bass, and organ.
Opening the EP is ‘Better When You’re Around’, which was first released as a single back in August and garnered praise from a number of BBC Radio Scotland shows, as well as a variety of publications. The song opens with a set of melodic and catchy chords from Macfarlane’s 12-string guitar before her passionate yet soothing vocals arrive. Ingram’s bass and drums join the ensemble as the track builds towards its infectious chorus. All round, the song presents a joyful and upbeat start to the EP and sets the tone for what’s to come. Through her lyrics, Macfarlane explores the impact that those around us have on our lives, emphasising the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people.
Following this is ‘No Rain’, the second single of the EP that was first released in October and featured as our song of the day. This track shows off more of Macfarlane’s string arrangements, which blend beautifully with the acoustic chords and soft percussion to create a serene and graceful feel to the song. It also contains arguably the most poignant and powerful lyrics of the EP. The track is based on the words of a grieving friend of Macfarlane’s, who had just lost their life partner but made the passing remark: “Well, at least there’s no rain outside.” As Macfarlane explains: “this phrase struck me as equally sad, stoic, and hopeful. It reminded me that even in times of loneliness and sadness, there is always something to be grateful and hopeful for, even if it’s as simple as a sunny day.”
Continuing the theme of loss, ‘Black Wall’ is told through the lens of a grieving inner monologue. To match the melancholic lyrics, Macfarlane presents less of the upbeat percussion of previous tracks and more of a focus on the string instruments and vocals. With this song, Macfarlane captures the unique beauty of the Isle of Harris in the Hebrides, where the song was written. “There is something spiritual about Harris,” she explains, “the wildness of the landscape, the battering winds, and fresh air that I feel would give hope to someone, comfort them, and help them come to terms and move on from loss.”
Bringing the EP to its conclusion is the title track, ‘Closing the Window’, which opens with a spellbinding piano melody that continues and develops as the song progresses. The instrumentation on this track, the solemn piano, the subtle drumbeat, the entrancing string sections, all blend together to create a tangible sense of comfort and hope, encapsulating the running themes of the EP. Lyrically, Macfarlane drew inspiration from the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy, specifically focusing on the themes of family, growing up, and letting go.
Across its 16-minute runtime, Closing the Window offers a much-needed moment of pause. Macfarlane’s peaceful instrumentation, elevated throughout by her serene string arrangements, blends with her beautiful vocals to build an atmosphere of tranquillity and respite. Despite its themes of loss and regret, the EP looks at the future with a great sense of optimism and hope, a sentiment as comforting as it is timely.