“No, I can’t stay here and let you go / I lost my faith but heaven knows / It can’t be your time to go / Can’t stay here and let you go,” sings Brian Fennell as he remembers his late father on his EP focusing on love, regret, and peace.
After the passing of his father, Fennell decided to publish the few songs he created to commemorate his memory: “STAY CLOSE,” “BLACK TEETH,” “YES AND KNOW” and “DIM.” Each song represents a crucial point centered around the aggressive battle of cancer his father fought.
Not only does “STAY CLOSE” start with a beautiful melody, but leads into a soft, calming resonance. The lyrics, “One lifetime is never enough, so stay with me / More than a body, you’re more than my heart / You’re my blood, stay with me, stay with me” expand the feelings of missing his father and the time he no longer has with him. The substantial, meaningful lyrics draw the mood of the song into a heartfelt song portraying losing someone very dear to him.
Accentuating moving on from toxic ideas and people, the next song on the EP, “BLACK TEETH,” bears the meaning of a breakup but not with a person rather with a false sense of peace. The frustration from heartbreak is exhibited with the sounds of his despair when singing, “I feel no pain / You were an honest mistake / You were an honest mistake / Even if it don’t hurt anymore / I cannot stay.” The soothing tones and powerful lyrics pull this song together to create a masterpiece showcasing heartbreak. Being misled by someone he cared so deeply about, caused Fennell this pain and hurt.
Inspired by the racial unrest existing in America at the time, “YES AND KNOW” holds a story of not being able to forget something once we are told it. The lyrics, “I’m not more than you think / I have not grown / Better than the hate you see / That’s not my fault, no, no,” represent the hate around the country and needing a balance within all people. From the effortless beats and rhythm throughout the song, SYML’s smooth voice binds the whole song together. He tries to tell a story of hope for the people’s lives that lie ahead.
The final song on the EP, “DIM” is directly intertwined emptiness he is feeling in a world without his father. SYML processes his father’s death through certain lyrics he’s said to him such as, “Days come just like our friends with the soft glow / The one touch that slowly fades / You’re just out of my reach, oh, in the shadows / Still young but weathered grey.” The pain of not being able to be with his dad and communicate is pulling on his heartstrings. Love and passion are shown continuously in the song through influential vocals and calming tones.
“DIM” is such a truly exquisite piece to listen to, as Fennel connects with the listeners on a deep level. There is so much room for listeners to be able to think about their own lives and some things they may want to stay grateful for. From the subtle yet expressive voice to the implied moods SYML is striving to convey, this EP is beyond delightful to listen to. The passion and emotion had for music are shown throughout these songs and convey the significance of what SYML is trying to produce.
