“We Were Taller Then,” the poignant instrumental single from composer Grant Borland operating under the moniker Soek, is an evocative journey back to the ephemeral magic of youth. Clocking in at just over three minutes, the track achieves a remarkable emotional density, capturing the quiet ache of nostalgia without relying on a single lyric.
The composition is a delicate masterclass in modern classical minimalism. It opens with a lone piano motif, simple, repetitive, yet instantly engaging. The sound design is crisp, the attack of the hammers giving the melody an organic, grounded feel that speaks to genuine memory rather than synthesized sentimentality. As the piece builds, Borland weaves in layers of warm, expansive strings and subtle electronic textures. The strings swell with a bittersweet melancholy, creating an atmosphere that feels both safe and vast, much like the world perceived through a child’s eyes.
What makes “We Were Taller Then” truly resonate is its dynamic restraint. There are no sudden crescendos or dramatic shifts, instead, the piece moves with the gentle, inevitable flow of a fading memory. The interplay between the steadfast piano and the ethereal strings perfectly encapsulates the core theme: the feeling of invincibility that defines youth, contrasted with the quiet realization of time’s passage. The track’s B-side, “Scania,” serves as a fitting, atmospheric epilogue, deepening the meditative mood.
Soek has crafted more than just background music; he has built a sonic safe space for reflection. Drawing clear inspiration from ambient greats like Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm, Borland translates shared human experience into sound. It’s a beautifully melancholic piece that invites listeners to close their eyes and step through that “quiet doorway back into childhood,” making it a standout release in the ambient classical genre and a profound, moving listening experience.
This has been added to our Lit Vibes Spotify Playlist. Discover all the incredible artists featured and give the playlist a follow to stay tuned for more great music!
