There’s something special about music made by a family. The Staves is made up of three sisters, Emily, Jessica, and Camilla, whose lives revolved around music from the beginning. Influenced by legendary rock artists like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, the trio made their mark back in 2012 with their first album, Dead & Born & Grown. Their connection to singer/songwriter Bon Iver helped launch them into further success when he produced their second album, If I Was. They’ve had immense success in their home country of England as well as in the US thanks to connections like Florence + The Machine and The Civil Wars.
The style of their music lies in the indie folk arena with an ethereal sound, such as songs like “Sadness Don’t Own Me” and “I’m On Fire.” The influence of bands of the 70s is evident in their choice of rhythm and instruments, as they allow the classical guitar to stand out, with the keyboard and synths harmonizing in the background. On occasion they’ll introduce a bit of percussion, such as in “Mexico.”
This style fits perfectly with their voices. All three possess a naturally gentle, clear, airy voice that blend with the instruments marvelously. But what is even more marvelous is the blending of their voices exclusively. The sisters clearly shine in the vocal harmony department. Having been inspired by the aforementioned multi-member bands, it seems that a beautifully fused vocal harmony was destined to be a star of their songs. The notes just flow from their mouths effortlessly. An excellent example of this intensely precise harmony is “Let Me Down,” where their voices stand out prominently, especially at an a capella moment at the three minutes and twelve seconds timestamp.
In their latest single, “Satisfied,” that harmony is most definitely present, alongside the mesmerizing strum of a guitar. The introduction of a steady drumbeat, the occasional strums from an electric guitar, and the synthetic keyboard notes add some gorgeous layers. The moment that brings the satisfying shivers down your spine is when the sisters all belt forth “satisfied” at the beginning of the chorus. Accompanied by a solid hit of the drum, and it’s like the “drop-the-beat” moment that takes the song to another level. And all throughout they maintain that ethereal sensation, even as the intensity grows and you sink into it.
The message of the song embraces the emotions of uncertainty, guilt, and perseverance.
You’ve put it on the shelf and you won’t ask why
How do you know, how do you know that it’s right?
When you think about it, did you really try?
The metaphor of putting something on the shelf entails not quite giving up on something, but putting it away for a later date. What could this thing be?
It was never enough ’til you know it’s dead
Keep wasting all your time tryna meet it there
Did you need it that night, did you really care?
This verse implies that the same thing was used and abused and there should be some guilty feeling.
Don’t give up
Don’t give up this time
Will you just leave it on the corner
Then here we have a pleading to keep going, to not let go, just leave it for now and come back later. Perhaps the song is urging for caution but determination in the delicate balance of the heart: don’t ignore it, but don’t overuse it.
The Staves know how to reach the soul with their transcendent yet grounded music. They’re doing their role models proud.
