SOLOMON’S SEAL – ‘CIRCLES’

BY JANIN AYALA FELIX | SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 | FOLK | TRACKS

Solomon’s Seal’s latest single, “Circles,” has an undeniable pull—there’s an irresistible magnetism to the track that sets it apart from the usual folk fare. From the very first haunting pluck of acoustic guitar, you know you’re in for something special. Singer/songwriter Joseph Sol Giffard Tutt, offers a sonic journey that’s as delicate as it is profound. The song opens with slow, deliberate fingerpicking that feels like a quiet whisper, before the arrangement blossoms into a lush interplay of swelling strings, bass and a tambourine. There’s a dreamlike quality to this seamless fusion, where the simplicity of the acoustic guitar is transformed into something far more expansive and otherworldly.

But what truly grips you in “Circles” is its bold structural choices. Halfway through, Tutt takes the listener on an unexpected detour. Just as you’re settling into the familiar rhythm of the track’s 4/4 time signature, he throws in a 1/3 after a brief pause —a surprising and slightly disorienting shift. This musical twist gives the song a moment of weightlessness, before snapping back to its original pacing to end the song, almost as if the track itself is catching its breath. It’s a move that’s not only inventive but mirrors the themes at the heart of the song—life’s cyclical nature, the uncertainty of change, and the way we are often thrown off course before finding our way again.

The song’s lyrics dig deep, painting a picture of life’s inevitable endings and the renewal that follows. Tutt’s words are simple, but they land with profound emotional weight. “1, 2, 3, you’re looking at me / 2, 3, 4, and look straight out the door,” he sings, setting up a countdown to emotional reckoning. The vulnerability builds as he continues with “5, 6, 7, I wish I was your heaven.” There’s a childlike cadence to the lines, underscoring the painful realization that things are coming to an end. Then, in one of the song’s most poignant moments, Tutt laments, “I know, it’s ending.” It’s a stark acknowledgment of finality, but there’s also an undercurrent of acceptance, a quiet resignation to life’s natural cycles.

The emotional impact of these lyrics is amplified by Tutt’s vocal delivery—soft, almost confessional, but with a palpable intensity that makes you believe every word. “Leaving battles / Feeling rattled / But I’d do it all over again,” he sings, and you can hear the hard-earned wisdom in his voice. There’s a sense that the pain and the struggle were worth it, and that if given the chance, he would willingly walk the same difficult path again.

Musically, “Circles” is a masterclass in subtlety and sophistication. The acoustic guitar, while always central, is layered with rich orchestral elements that give the track a cinematic quality. The strings, delicate but powerful, weave in and out, accentuating the emotional peaks of the song without ever overshadowing Tutt’s vocals. The production strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and grandeur, ensuring that every note serves the emotional core of the track.

At its heart, “Circles” is a reflection on the inevitability of change and the cycles we all find ourselves in—both in life and love. The final measures of the song mirror its intro, bringing everything full circle in a way that feels intentional and deeply resonant. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that, much like the song, life has a way of returning to familiar places, even after the chaos and uncertainty.

With “Circles,” Solomon’s Seal is not only cementing its place in the modern folk landscape but carving out a space that feels distinctly its own. Blending personal experience with rich, sophisticated production, Tutt has crafted a song that is timeless yet fresh, intimate yet universal. “Circles” isn’t just music—it’s a journey through life’s ebbs and flows. It’s clear that Solomon’s Seal is a project we should all be keeping our eyes on.

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