Dwi Riana, Marshall Veroni - Springtime (Fool of Ideas)

Dwi Riana was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, but is now based in Toronto where she works in the film industry. Inspired by the music videos she was directing, it wasn't long before her song writing urge translated to some pleasingly eclectic folk fusion songs of her own, and even some pretty far out soundtrack work. For this latest single she's teamed up with Marshall Veroni, a contemporary folk singer-songwriter from Owen Sound to fine effect.

I'm guessing the arrival of Spring resonates even more in Canada, with its longer and harsher winters, and Riana's new single celebrates this seasonal unfolding and the accompanying mental and physical blossoming of the country's residents after a few dark months hunkered down indoors.

Some closely miked acoustic guitar gets the ball rolling before Riana's distinctive, unpolished and direct vocals muse on climatic challenges and their effect on the passing of time. Not wanting to distract from the star of the show, Veroni is content to hover to one side with his well softly delivered vocals mirroring Riana's, giving them a velvety cushion on which to sit.

On its own that would have worked just fine but hold tight for the arrival of Jill Sauerteig, who almost imperceptibly at first, enters the picture with some deft cello playing that further elevates the vocals and guitar before gradually increasing in intensity to add some emotional heft as the song builds. This well crafted song then returns to its stripped back origins for the final third, aided by some old fashioned, and much missed I have to say, whistling. Look out for her album coming sometime this year.

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Playlist Companion

Find "Springtime" in the Slow Indie-Folk Playlist: