The effect is mesmerising, like a storm forming gently on the horizon. From the very first lyric, “God saved the arsonist, hid him in the memories of a dog / That barked all year and barked all night at balconies in Kyiv,” the song stakes its claim as both haunting and vividly cinematic.
Cherry i’s beautifully bruised vocals hover above cathartic indie-rock instrumentation, conveying vulnerability without sacrificing power. A pointillist electric guitar traces delicate single-note patterns, weaving around the melody, while the sound of keys creates a seamless flow that feels both organic and deliberate. Lines like ‘In poetry, he’s moving’ underscore the track’s reflective, almost literary quality.
For fans of The Last Dinner Party, Cherry i will feel immediately familiar yet refreshingly distinct, merging indie-rock catharsis with intricate sonic textures. ‘The Arsonist’ is a song that burns slowly, building from quiet introspection to a charged release, leaving an echo of emotion that lingers long after the final note fades. It’s a vivid, layered journey - both intimate and expansive, tender and raw.
Anna Louise Jones
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