The Wands Collective has just released their enigmatically titled album, Four Corner Circle; a luminous record which started out life as a spontaneous collaboration between four international musicians. From Colombia, the UK, Barbados and the USA, the group composed of Byron Asher (synth, clarinet & saxophone), Edgar Marun (bass & double bass), Juanita Clarke (drums & percussion) and Sasha Gefen (synth & vocals) first met in 2022 during OneBeat’s residency programme. While there are seven boundary-blurring tracks to explore here, our attention has been drawn towards opening single ‘Fairies’.
From the very beginning, ‘Fairies’ is like a mysterious, disparate creature flitting in-and-out of the soundscape with delicate textures and dreamy tones. It’s a layered arrangement of expressive woodwinds, substantial double bass, fluid percussion and avant-garde vocals. You can really hear those wide-ranging, global influences from the jazz constructions, to soft Latin and Caribbean rhythms and effervescent Slavic melodies. Each element is carefully intertwined; balancing the unique energy of each musician.
While on the surface the meaning of ‘Fairies’ might be a little obscure, once you sink into the listening experience, you’ll find yourself transported into a peaceful mindset. For us, this track brings to mind the British colloquial saying “away with the fairies,” which alludes to someone daydreaming. With its free-flowing nature, this song is perfect for letting your thoughts wander.
This single, like the rest of The Wands Collective‘s album, is a physical manifestation of how we can transcend borders, languages and cultures, but only if we open ourselves up to genuine connection.
You can also listen to ‘Fairies’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
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