"Let Those Burdens Fall" is an original ballad by Arcoiris Sandoval from her 2018 album First Voyage. Set in A-flat minor at a contemplative tempo of around 60 beats per minute, this is the slowest and most introspective track on the album. The title suggests an emotional unburdening, and the music creates a space for reflection and release. Bassist Marty Kenney opens the solo section with an extended statement that is remarkable for both its melodic beauty and its courage in claiming the spotlight at such a slow tempo. His arco and pizzicato work brings a cello-like expressiveness to the bass, transforming it from an accompaniment instrument into a lead voice. Sandoval follows with her own piano solo, building on the meditative atmosphere Kenney has established while gradually introducing more harmonic tension and rhythmic activity. The ballad tempo allows every note to resonate fully, placing a premium on tone quality and emotional conviction over technical display. The free-form structure gives both soloists the liberty to follow their musical instincts without the constraint of bar lines or repeating sections. This performance reveals the sensitive, lyrical dimension of the Sonic Asylum Trio, balancing the high-energy displays found elsewhere on the album.
