By Zackary Kozak
This past Friday, October 18th, Canadian music and art project SHEBAD released their fourth single of the year: “Time Takes Time.” The Guelph-based collective is headed by vocalist and visual artist Claire Voy and multi-instrumentalist Ciccio Spagnolo, each of whom showcases a kindred proclivity for artistic ingenuity with every single they release. Their music is rooted in the emotional basin of soul, with tender vocals and earthy lyrical tendencies. It is further elevated by the branches of deep orchestral composition, acrobatic harmonies, and the appealing sense of abstraction in their lyrics. The result is a neo-soul sound that progressively melds diverse trends into a vivacious musical experience; a sonic tree full of life. The cherry on top of their recent output is the accompanying artwork that adorns each digital release. These visualizations offer a unique glimpse into the artists’ imagined soundscape while emphasizing their pursuit of innovation in the creative arts.
“Time Takes Time” diverts from the jazzy, upbeat rhythm in the group’s previous single, “Black Walnut,” and slows to a meditative, easy speed groove. The track opens with an engaging piano melody, hinting at the primary motif carried through the rest of the song. Soon, the addition of strings raises the melody to a point of near completion, allowing the vocals the opportunity to break in. One of my favourite features of this single is the space created during Voy’s vocal parts. The aforementioned strings and continuous piano melody are replaced by a pulsing bass line, steady drum groove, and very accentual use of the piano. This not only enhances the rhythm of Voy’s delivery but also creates a sense of musical relief when Voy is not singing. In this way, both the vocal and instrumental melodies can shine without overshadowing the other. The rise and fall of the piano riff complements Voy’s vocal trills and harmonies; they seem to follow one another, taking us on a musical journey and cueing us into the song’s lyrical significance.
In the final minute of the song, we enter a new lyrical section, which is similarly mirrored by changes in the instrumental and vocal rhythm. Flutes enter and accentuate Voy’s inflection of the titular lyrics “Time takes time.” Altered variations of the previous string and piano riffs echo the track’s poignant last words: “Time takes.” These subtle choices in composition and performance have immense effects on the song’s emotional resonance. Choosing to rest instrumentally garners greater attention on that specific moment’s lyrics and vice versa. The omission of “time” in the decision to close the song with “Time takes” offers a sense of ambiguity and abstraction, leaving the listener with more to think about.
Overall, I loved the steps SHEBAD took in meticulously formulating “Time Takes Time.” They build from the soul tradition and the sounds of their previous work while simultaneously taking steps in new directions that contribute uniquely satisfying sensibilities to their most recent release. The track repeatedly asks us “Where has the love gone” and pleads that “Sacred life, we’ve gotta take it in our own hands.” I believe that the song speaks to the simple beauty we often neglect in the process of attaining our desires. It is important to listen to your heart and truly understand the purpose of your actions rather than “killing to make a profit.” As long as we revel in the moment, just as we lay back and let a song supplant our expectations, “We gon’ be alright.” Time is not a mere enemy obstructing our lives; it is our most valuable resource. It’s in the moment that we prosper from the power of its wonderful creations. I urge everyone to check out SHEBAD’s “Time Takes Time” and listen intently as the music makes the experience incredibly special.