Ian Roland – 20 Breaths Of Love Per Minute (2025)
Writing and performing original songs that, as Ian Roland puts it, are “roots pop songs with a modern vintage vibe, full of heart-strung orchestration and up-close, life-drenched lyrics”, singer-songwriter Roland dips and celebrates every aspect of living with evocative melodies and good grooves. When we left Roland, or at least the last material we heard from him, the track ‘Some Way Of Life’ was sticking in our heads; today, we take a look at his most recent release, ’20 Breaths Of Love Per Minute’.
Following the well-received ‘Some Way Of Life’, ’20 Breaths Of Love Per Minute’ is a song about, well, breathing. Roland explains: “On average, a person takes between 15 and 25 breaths every minute. I have plumped for 20 and written a love song, with trees in mind…” With 20 breaths, Roland sets the stage with just that: a song to take that deep, refreshing breath and let out an even more refreshing, relieving sigh, all bound in a moving composition.
Produced by Jake Sinner and Ian Roland, with mastering by Bob Macciochi, ’20 Breaths Of Love Per Minute’ retains the inner simplicity of folk music and lyricism, but with a shift to a soft rock-inspired ballad. An immediate reminiscence of Billy Joel seemed to rush into my mind, mostly because of Mishkin Fitzgerald’s soulful piano; however, while the track lilts toward Billy Joel, Ian Roland offers another song showcasing his multi-faceted yet distinctive sound.
’20 Breaths Of Love Per Minute’ might be driven by a piano, but the concoction of Dave Coomber’s bass, James Chapman’s drums and Roland’s guitar is a harmonious symphony of soft rock. For me, the addition of Roland’s rich, dulcet vocals is the cherry on the top of a beautiful brush of sound, allowing you to melt and feel the gentleness of a tranquil, serene love song. While I sit here taking a deep breath of calm, I am eager to make my way through Roland’s discography and eagerly awaiting something new.
Find out more about Ian Roland on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, BlueSky, and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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