Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends – The Crow Review

With The Crow, Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends delivers a single that feels deeply rooted in classic pop tradition while carrying an emotional weight that is distinctly his own. Drawing subconscious inspiration from Roy Orbison, the song channels an old-world sense of drama and romantic melancholy, but reshapes it into something darker and more introspective.

Built around a steady, bolero-like rhythm, The Crow unfolds slowly and deliberately. The arrangement is rich without being overwhelming, allowing each element to serve the song’s emotional arc. Sugary background vocals contrast beautifully with the somber tone of the lyrics, creating a tension between sweetness and sorrow that runs throughout the track. The instrumentation plays a key role in elevating the song’s dramatic impact. Strings and an English horn rise at emotional climaxes, reinforcing the sense of longing and quiet despair. These orchestral touches feel purposeful rather than decorative, echoing the grand gestures of classic pop balladry while maintaining a restrained elegance.  The Crow goes beyond nostalgic heartbreak. The imagery—loneliness likened to a crow feeding on the dead—is stark and unsettling, pushing past romantic sadness into something more existential. It’s a vivid metaphor that lingers long after the song ends, giving the track a darker edge than its classic influences might suggest.

The performances add further depth. Andreas Quincy Dahlbäck’s drums provide a solid, understated foundation, while the background vocals from David Myhr (The Merrymakers) and Stefan Petersson (Mother James) add warmth and harmonic richness. Their contributions enhance the song’s emotional pull without stealing focus from its core narrative. As a solo project from a musician formerly involved with the Swedish band Redmoon, Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends shows a clear sense of identity and intention. The Crow feels like a carefully crafted statement—respectful of its influences, yet unafraid to explore darker emotional territory. The Crow is a haunting, cinematic single that blends classic pop sensibilities with striking lyrical imagery. It’s a song that rewards attentive listening and stands as a compelling example of how timeless influences can be reinterpreted with depth and originality