The London Air Raids
from Northern Anthems
Vian Izak · 2018 · Singer Songwriter
Uptempo singer-songwriter with indie folk warmth and alt rock undercurrents; reflective yet hopeful, rhythmic and uplifting with acoustic guitar, piano, strings, and a percussive drive.
About This Song
Written by Vian's brother Hein at a party when he was 15, this song explores how to hold to love in the midst of war. Inspired by the air raids of London during WW2, The London Air Raids is an anthem about love in the midst of chaos. It was recorded in Nashville in Vian's first studio situated in the back of a radio station. One day when nothing was going on at the station, Vian hired a drummer to play the huge drum parts but there was no room in his studio, so they carried the drum set into the attic of the radio station and in the extreme Nashville summer heat, recorded drums for the song.
Musical Style
Indie folk–leaning singer-songwriter blended with alternative production, smooth groove, and chamber-like string accents. Think intimate vocals and organic strums swelling into epic choruses, sitting between SYML’s cinematic hush and Tom Odell’s piano-forward lift, with hints of Coldplay's epic production.
Themes and Meaning
Love under siege, clinging to safety amid conflict and fear; a plea for escape and a promise to endure. The lyric frames wartime tension and relationship resilience, turning anxiety into hopeful resolve and shared protection.
Instrumentation and Production
Male-led vocal with group harmonies, acoustic guitar, and piano chords supported by strings, bass, and live-sounding drums. Layered percussion create a smooth, moderately danceable groove. The arrangement builds steadily—quiet verses into a bright, uplifting chorus—while organic textures keep the emotion close.
Who This Song Is For
For listeners who want reflective yet uplifting singer-songwriter cuts with indie folk color and modern polish; fans of SYML, Tom Odell, Coldplay, The National, and Fleet Foxes; ideal for late-night drives, rainy-day reflection, or focused work with a hopeful pulse.
Written by
Hein Zaayman
Lyrics by
Hein Zaayman
Recommended If You Like
SYML, Tom Odell, The National, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver
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Frequently Asked Questions
- It portrays love and refuge during wartime tension in London, weighing fear, conflict, and the urge to escape against safety, devotion, and hope.
- Singer-songwriter with indie folk tones and modern alternative production, driven, uplifting, and reflective.
- It sits near SYML, Tom Odell, Coldplay, with a touch of The National’s emotive pulse.
- "The London Air Raids" was written by Hein Zaayman.
- "The London Air Raids" appears on the album "Northern Anthems" by Vian Izak.
- The instrumentation on "The London Air Raids" includes acoustic guitar, piano, percussion, strings, drums, bass, acoustic guitar, male vocal.
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