We Speak Music
Mikel Rafael ‘A Shield and a Sword’ – Folk Music That Speaks to the Heart
Mikel Rafael’s new single ‘A Shield and a Sword’ might just be the most captivating folk track you’ll hear this year. Blending the deep, poetic lyricism of ancient literature with contemporary folk melodies, Mikel has crafted a song that’s both emotionally powerful and intellectually intriguing. Inspired by Homer’s The Iliad, the song connects the struggles of ancient warriors to the courage displayed by modern-day soldiers, particularly those fighting in Ukraine. It’s an ambitious project, and it’s clear that Mikel pulls it off with grace.
The song’s musical landscape is a beautiful blend of folk, Americana, and a touch of Celtic flair. It feels like a road trip through history, with each chord and phrase adding another stop along the way. The instrumentation is lush and atmospheric, with swirling strings and soft percussion that complement Mikel’s soulful voice. It’s a kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes and let the melody carry you somewhere peaceful, yet deeply thought-provoking.
What really stands out, however, is Mikel’s songwriting. He doesn’t just tell a story—he invites you to live it with him. The lyrics are poetic yet accessible, capturing the emotion of Hector’s farewell to his family before heading into battle, a scene that resonates as deeply today as it did in the time of the ancient Greeks. By drawing a parallel to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mikel creates a poignant reflection on the nature of sacrifice, courage, and the universal human experience of facing uncertainty.
The beauty of ‘A Shield and a Sword’ is in its simplicity. Mikel’s careful attention to detail and dedication to his craft shine through in the way the song builds naturally. He doesn’t rush the song into its climactic moments. Instead, he lets the tension build, allowing the emotions to unfold slowly but powerfully. This is music that demands patience—and rewards it handsomely.
With this single, Mikel Rafael proves that he’s not just another folk artist. He’s a storyteller who connects the past and present in ways that are deeply moving. If you’re someone who loves music that makes you think, feel, and reflect, then ‘A Shield and a Sword’ is a must-listen. It’s a beautiful tribute to those who fight, both on the battlefield and in everyday life. And with an upcoming EP on the horizon, it looks like Mikel’s poetic journey is only just beginning.
‘Wild for the Weekend’ is the 2nd single from Zkeletonz’ forthcoming debut album ‘OUT!’—self-produced and featuring mixing and mastering by Sam Wheat (Nile Rodgers) and Alex Gopher (Chromeo, Ed Banger).
This is independent electro-disco at full power, channelling the spirits of Breakbot, Phoenix, Daft Punk’s Homework, and classic Ed Banger French Touch, but from the UK scene. The band blend synth-pop, disco, and indie and create music designed for movement, with a distinctively stylish and ironic edge.
DIY-built, the band is bringing synth pop to a new generation and selling out 500-capacity London venues 100% independently. Gracing festival stages in their hometown of Coventry and across the UK for BBC Introducing in addition to touring internationally in Berlin, Amsterdam and Malta, as well as hitting radio airwaves like BBC 6Music’s Fresh Finds and John Kennedy’s X-Posure, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances, sharp visuals, and an uncompromising artistic vision.
Debut Zkeletonz album ‘OUT!’ is a sonic love letter to London club culture and late-night events. But with a focus on the unique and unforgettable experience only live music can provide. As the band continue to crowdfund the Vinyl / CD production of the Album, the album’s full supporting campaign for the album will launch Fri 30th May with an explosive free Gig at The Finsbury, in advance of in-store appearances and a physical Vinyl drop in August, before finally a huge show at Camden Underworld (500 capacity) on Fri 12th Dec.
This incredible achievement from Zkeletonz with no label, management or agency will follow self-promoted headline gigs at Highbury Garage and Hackney OSLO, plus regular slots at huge UK festivals like Feastival with CHIC & Nile Rodgers; All Points East, London alongside Foals and Jamie XX; and in Camden with Shalamar and Soul II Soul.
On the new single, Zkeletonz said, “”Wild for the Weekend” means the world to us. It’s the final track on ‘OUT!’—an epic, emotional closer that captures the essence of our recent experiences exploring music together. We’re lucky to be 3 best friends who have persevered for years as a creative collective, since high school. But this is the first song we’ve ever made entirely through a studio-based process, layering up that classic Korg M1 synth while we were deep-diving into Detroit Techno, Chicago House, and the many legends from postmodern French electronica. Lyrically it’s about how partying—those wild, crazy weekends—can sometimes be something that fixes or stabilises a turbulent romance. It’s raw, it’s alive, and we absolutely cannot wait to share this one with a crowd.”
As always, production by the band’s own electronic drummer and multi-instrumentalist member Ed Trotsky (also Runrummer, Coin Operated Boy) forms the centrepiece of Zkeletonz as a creative project and endeavour, weaving sonically from 1980s and 2000s synth influences including classic pop by the Pet Shop Boys and Human League, and tasteful, contemporary blogwave, alternative and indie sounds similar to Confidence Man, Sofi Tukker and The Dare.
Upcoming 2025 Zkeletonz tour dates:
FRI MAY 30th @ THE FINSBURY, ISLINGTON for GoToBeat, free entry:
https://gotobeat.com/gig/zkeletonz-live-in-finsbury/
FRI JUN 13th @ PAPER DRESS VINTAGE, HACKNEY with Concrete Natives:
https://paperdressvintage.co.uk/
SAT JUN 21st @ DASH THE HENGE record shop, CAMBERWELL, 5pm
https://dashthehengestore.com/
SAT DEC 12th @ CAMDEN UNDERWORLD (self-promoted Headline).
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