A Haunting Standout From Their New Album: Discover Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends' The Sparrow

I've been following the work of Stockholm-based singer/songwriter Arne Floryd for a few years now. A former member of the Swedish folk-rock act Redmoon, Arne turned his attention to his solo career in late 2020. Performing as Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends, the artist has spent the years building a seriously impressive catalogue of music, working alongside a growing network of exceptional musicians and collaborators.

The King and the Sparrow is Arne's brand new album, released just five days ago. Now, I highly suggest you give the entire record your attention, but for today, we'll be honing in on track eight, a rich and infectious yet slightly unnerving gem called The Sparrow.

A tune whose melody came to Arne in a dream, The Sparrow never truly reveals what it wants to be. Composed mainly in a minor key, it's the several tonal changes that the musician credits for creating "an atmosphere of uncertainty and dreamy (or nightmarish) melancholia." Throw in some church bells, a mellotron, and the superb backing vocals of Stefan Petersson, and what emerges is a haunting piece of music that lives with you long after its final note.

Described as "something of an odd bird" by its creator, The Sparrow is one of those songs that reveals new layers with each listen. And once you can appreciate its subtlety, you'll begin to understand Arne's work as a whole. Just brilliant - once again!

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