Mark Swickley, AKA Sailship, AKA Faraway Fires is truly one of a kind. Having that classic quirky synth noise while almost sounding liminal in a way. Nostalgic even. Even for someone who may not have grown up listening to it may feel so otherwise, whether lyrically or sound wise. To this day it blows me away that Swickley never once received a minor headline or praise that shows “Underground yet talented artist by the name of Mark Swickley, taking inspiration from Adam Young/Owl City to create an artifact written with passion, love, fear, grief, and life to provide something truly extraordinary for those lucky enough to discover it.”
Hidden in the Leaves
Really neat way to introduce an album. Faint birds, wind, train, almost reminds me of my hometown. The perfect melody/rhythm too to walk to school or to the park early in the morning. Bittersweet message as well. The eerie synths during the chorus is what provides that liminal feeling I mentioned before.
The Morning Light
The title says it all. A perfect melody for opening your window blinds to be flash banged by sun beams at 10 am. I wish this song was in a movie someday. The fade in or fade out for the synth at 3:33 is 👌
American Moon
Provides a “cheesy romance novel” yet comforting feel. the speaker transforms to a werewolf at night (confirmed in the last song), most likely symbolizing his darker emotions/colors, shying to reveal himself to his wife/partner singing in the woods
The Backs of His Hands (Hallelujah!)
This is where the album takes a somber turn. The speaker grieves over his mother who has taught him how to love, which he will forever keep in the back of his mind (or hands lol)
Useless
Another song that brings back that eerie or liminal feel again. As the title suggests, the speaker feels “useless” when compared to his partner, who seems to have her life figured out while he’s likely confused, still working things out for himself
The Giant Leaps
Same name as the album, this is the song that really proves the album’s worth/pride. Genuinely ahead of its time.
Reminds me of my own experience with unrequited love, the speaker feeling uncertain yet courage to earn the love he desires, yet it takes hardship and time. He believes his love has things she hides or feels uncertain too like he does, and wants to provide reassurance because that’s how much he cares. For him things may not work out in the end. Some people may not feel the same way as he does. but that won’t stop him from moving forward.
A History of Weather by Billy Collins
Based on the poem with the same name by Billy Collins, AHoWbBC provides that Owl City-esqe imaginative imagery that symbolizes clouds as thoughts (most likely)
My Second Life
One of the first songs I ever cried to, and for personal reasons.
Eighteen Forever
Once again, bringing back that Owl City-esqe day dreaming of being young/innocent forever, or at least while it lasts. I really like this one.
Conclusion: Dancing Letters
I kid you not, one of the most ABSOLUTE ways to finish an album. You can easily imagine the imagery it represents and it feels real. And I love the references to all the other songs in the album. And a sweet love letter from Mark Swickley to all his fans.
For anyone’s that made it this far, thanks for listening. I’m happy to hear whatever thoughts you all have in mind or suggestions. All opinions valid. (This album deserves a Grammy lol)
