“Arranging Flowers” meets the surreal with casino sounds and a slow-burning, intricate jazz foundation that captivates right from the start. As Sacha Mullin introduces us to his latest track, the interplay between these sonic layers immediately stands out. The symbolic representation of a casino sets a dissonant backdrop, but Mullin’s voice—commanding yet vulnerable—forms the true core of this song. It feels like his voice pulls the strings, guiding the entire arrangement with an ethereal, jazz-inspired control that, from the get-go, draws you in.
The entrance of the electric guitar brings a shift—suddenly, there’s a dialogue happening between the voice and the strings. This exchange teeters on the edge of calm, often pushing towards a more frenetic conversation, yet always maintaining harmony in its emotional undertones. That tension adds depth, giving a sense that the music is evolving as Mullin and the guitar engage in this near-meditative dance. The intricate push and pull keep you anchored, eager for where the song will take you next.
What’s particularly impressive is how the track reinvents itself over its nearly six-minute duration. In an era where indie music tends to shy away from complexity, Sacha Mullin shows his mastery of keeping things dynamic and refreshing. Each shift in arrangement feels intentional, like new petals unfolding on a flower. And then, there’s the lyricism. Mullin paints vivid images: “back away, and ask if this is needed” capturing a moment of self-reflection and uncertainty. The lyrics mirror the song’s landscape, a place where contradictions—beauty and doubt, peace and tension—thrive side by side.
More about Sacha Mullin:
Mullin’s Chicago roots run deep through this track, but his influences stretch far beyond, with nods to avant-garde pop, jazz, and even rock. The album this song is part of leans on his previous collaborations with industry legends like Emily Bindiger, whose voice subtly but powerfully complements Mullin’s throughout the piece. As a third solo release, this album feels ambitious—mixing pop with jazz, rock, and R&B influences, while staying true to Sacha’s erudite lyrical style.
Mullin’s sound is hard to pin down but feels like a meeting of David Sylvian’s art-pop sophistication with the vocal agility of Jeff Buckley. There’s also a trace of Kate Bush’s dramatic flair in his voice, paired with the introspective jazz-inflected compositions reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. His intricate song structures and emotional depth recall the more experimental side of Peter Gabriel, while his vocal presence often evokes the otherworldly energy of Antony Hegarty (ANOHNI). If you’re into the avant-garde musings of Scott Walker, or the ethereal vibes of Sufjan Stevens, you’ll find Sacha Mullin offers something equally unique and compelling, while still standing firmly in his own sonic world.