Fold's latest release, 'In the Goodness of Time', is a sonic exploration of power, conflict, and the fragile hope for peace. Offered in both instrumental and vocal formats, the song invites listeners to immerse themselves in a soundscape thick with unease, a feeling that resonates profoundly with current global tensions.
The vocal version amplifies this atmosphere by weaving in a sample from Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1961 farewell address. His now-famous warning about the "military-industrial complex" gains new potency, particularly thanks to a remarkable audio restoration. Utilising Descript's AI tools, Eisenhower's voice is brought into sharper focus, making his concerns feel startlingly immediate. As Iain Overton of Action on Armed Violence observes, "Over six decades later, Eisenhower’s warnings are not relics of a bygone era but urgent reminders for today’s fractured and militarised world, where daily calls for more arms and the threat of war reach headlines.”
However, Fold doesn't present Eisenhower as a flawless prophet. The track acknowledges the inherent contradiction within his legacy, highlighting the covert operations of his administration that contributed to global instability. This duality forms the core of the song, encouraging listeners to consider the complexities of power and its consequences.
Musically, 'In the Goodness of Time' is a fascinating blend of old and new. The eerie, distorted guitar textures, recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder in a New York basement back in 1998, bring a nostalgic, almost anachronistic feel. The bass, created by pitch-shifting an electric guitar through a Korg Pandora FX unit, evokes the experimental spirit of 90s acts like Portishead.
Despite its sombre undercurrent, the track concludes with a glimmer of optimism, quoting Eisenhower’s own words: “We pray that in the goodness of time all people will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.” This juxtaposition of warning and hope creates a powerful emotional arc, leaving the listener with a sense of both urgency and possibility.
Fold, a Leeds-based collective, have been crafting music with a strong humanitarian focus since 2012. Their work, which often incorporates diverse voices from poets to historical figures, aims to foster critical reflection and empathy. With support from stations like BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and a presence on Spotify editorial playlists, Fold have established themselves within the underground British music scene. "In the Goodness of Time" stands as a testament to their ability to create music that is both sonically compelling and deeply thought-provoking, a reflection of our times through the lens of history.
You can join Fold on their journey now via Instagram, Facebook, and X.
