With the constant strains our world can put on our mental health, sometimes music can be the salve that helps us through. For German twins Jan and Josef, the outlet for dealing with their own personal struggles and private battles has been the music they craft as Amistat. On their latest EP, A Moment in the Sun, the duo stripped things down to simple arrangements of acoustic guitars, piano, and their immaculate harmonizing for a sound that is a comforting as their lyrics.
On the opening title track, when they sing “For a moment in the sun, I feel the earth below my feet”, it’s a powerful moment that makes you want to close your eyes and breathe the song in. It puts you in the moment, and makes you feel like everything is going to be okay. It feels like that was the goal for this collection of songs; for the brothers to write tracks to themselves, that could also be universal enough to help anyone going through similar hard times.
This comes across most clearly on “Same Old Eyes”, as they sing “Promise me one thing; don’t you ever let the darkness win.” A mantra to not succumb to the darkest thoughts when feeling alone, the track works because the brothers deliver music that is just as much a balm as the lyrics. Their knack for Simon & Garfunkel-esque harmonies that soothe is powerful and used effectively on “Seasons” and “Better Days”, but thankfully they don’t lean on that skill too much.
The EP closes on its strongest tracks. “Still Believe” begins solemnly, with the line “I made my peace with restless eyes to watch the sun come up again” finding the narrator already on a journey towards healing. The track’s momentum builds, mirroring this journey from acceptance of life towards tackling the future head-on, with horns and inspiring chants rousing listeners’ souls.
And then there’s the finale, “I Will”, in some ways a song of battle, or at least a hymn of fortification for the struggles to come. The brothers’ vocal deliveries here are passionate and powerful, dark and empowering. “I’m not a coward, I’m now being tested. Here at the front, I will wait. Here at the front, I’ll tempt fate” is repeated until its hardened into your consciousness, mounting a wall of bravery around your insecurities. It’s a stand-out song from a wonderful collection of songs.
You can listen to Amistat‘s whole EP here.
The Indy Review 