SYML – The Day My Father Died

This is the second full-length studio album from SYML, the solo project of singer, songwriter and producer Brian Fennell, previously of indie band Barcelona. The 40-year-old Seattle native was adopted and “syml” means “simple” in Welsh, the nationality of his birth parents. This album deals with the death of SYML’s adoptive father, as the title explains. It is concerned with catharsis and release, more occupied with healing and growth than with loss. The artist has said, “The ever-expanding universe will always frighten and delight me, but the truly unbelievable shit happens down here at our human level. Losing my dad felt like running out of air. I still feel it in my gut. But this record is not about losing him, it’s about what happens after we have lost.”

Recorded at Studio X in Seattle, a former church, a sacred quality imbues the record. Opening track Howling combines sexuality and spirituality: hymn-like layered vocals in a smooth falsetto mix with lyrics about being insatiable and essentially being healed or reborn through sex. He sings, “I was made clean when you took my shame/…But I will remain… insatiable”. The track swells throughout its running time, growing in volume and urgency, until guest vocalists Lucius join for the final chorus in a crescendo. It is a highlight.

The album has a few guest singers, including Guy Garvey’s rich tones making a welcome appearance on Lost Myself. SYML himself is not averse to a vocal cameo, having recently been announced as one of the guest artists on the forthcoming Lana Del Rey album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel under Ocean Blvd, out 10^th March. One can see why they might collaborate, as there is a hypnotic quality to both.

For this release, SYML teamed up with producer Phil Ek, who has produced for Fleet Foxes and Band of Horses. The production is polished and allows space for the vocals. The title track is surprisingly upbeat, lyrically, about the love his father gave him, rather than mourning his loss. 

The sound as a whole is soothing and clean. There is little variation, but SYML’s vocal is flawless and it is an aural hug of a record.

Jessica Wall

The Day My Father Died is released on 3^rd February 2023. For further information or to order the album visit SYML’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Howling here: