Finding themselves in the soundscape of a modern Simon and Garfunkel with influences from the likes of Ben Howard, Kings of Convenience and Kodaline, Amistat are definitely best enjoyed live. A safe place to be, to feel, to heal and to inspire. Their vocal harmonies create an unique synergy which stems from their contrasting personalities and musical styles blending together. Their authentic lyrics speak of what they have learned to be true in life and love, sharing their stories and songs about these lessons most of which they wrote while on the road.
Born with the closeness and understanding that only twins could share, Josef and Jan produce a unique synergy through the use of tight knit harmonies, shaped by an honest, storytelling vocal tone. Amistat is able to communicate their inspirations, drawn from a life on the road, infusing their sentiments, hopes and ambitions to develop a unique and honest message to their audiences.
Since 2012, Amistat have released five EP’s, It’s Not Words, Somewhere Sometime, Nostalgia, Love and Light, Still Alive and their debut album Parley which saw them embark on a number of Australian and European tours including performances at some of Australia's finest Festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Fairbridge and Nannup. The duo further won the Marton Guitar Emerging Artist of the Year 2018 Award at the Port Fairy Folk Festival 2018.
Following a two month tour with Australian band "Sons of the East" in 2019, playing 49 shows in 15 countries, Amistat followed up with their own headline tour through Europe and the UK in autumn 2019 before heading to their second home Australia for a national tour start of 2020.
Celebrating the release of their latest EP Still Alive the duo have just come of off their European tour which will be commencing in May 2022.
Nostalgia
Amistat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bit off more than we could chew
In silent rage I'll come of age
The one you thought you knew
He must learn his lessons too.
What's before what's left behind
Has troubled and clouded your mind,
Your man, his love and his light
Anxious pale with fright
Your man, his love and his light.
I'm holding on, I'm holding on to a memory I can memorise no more
I'm hanging on, I'm hanging on to my enemy that I adore.
I'm holding I'm holding on to my enemy.
Nostalgia
No whimper, no sound, silenced as I'm slowly burning out.
Dismissed again what I needed most
My truth was shrouded in doubt. Soundlessly I sang out,
The listeners a tone-deaf crowd.
I'm holding on, I'm holding on to a memory I can memorise no more.
I'm hanging, I'm hanging on to my enemy that I adore.
I'm holding, I'm holding on to my enemy.
Nostalgia
Choose truth over fairness, over pride. Choose truth over fairness,
Over pride. Choose truth over fairness,
Over pride. Choose truth over fairness, over pride.
I'm holding on, I'm holding on to a memory I can memorise no more.
I'm hanging, I'm hanging on to my enemy that I adore.
I'm holding I'm holding on to my enemy.
Nostalgia
The song Nostalgia by Amistat appears to be about a past relationship that has since ended. The first verse implies that the singer (or possibly the subject of the song) has failed the other person, and is struggling to come to terms with it. The line "failed you not fooled you" suggests that the other person was let down but not deceived intentionally. The second line, "Bit off more than we could chew," hints that the relationship had lofty expectations and was ultimately unsustainable. The singer goes on to say that they have a silent rage which they need to express in order to "come of age." This implies that they are working through complicated emotions related to the breakup.
Line by Line Meaning
Failed you not fooled you
I did not fail you, but I also did not deceive you
Bit off more than we could chew
We took on too much than we could handle
In silent rage I'll come of age
I'll mature and grow stronger in my anger without saying anything
The one you thought you knew
I'm not the person you thought you knew
He must learn his lessons too.
I must also learn from my mistakes
What's before what's left behind
The past is both what's in front of us and what we've left behind
Has troubled and clouded your mind,
The past has been bothering and confusing you
Gave up on him as he fell far short
You gave up on him because he didn't meet your expectations
Your man, his love and his light
Your man, his love, and his brightness
Anxious pale with fright
Terrified and pale with anxiety
I'm holding on, I'm holding on to a memory I can memorise no more
I'm trying to hold onto a memory that I can't quite remember anymore
I'm hanging on, I'm hanging on to my enemy that I adore.
I'm clinging to and loving the person who is my enemy
I'm holding I'm holding on to my enemy.
I'm continuing to hold on to my enemy
No whimper, no sound, silenced as I'm slowly burning out.
I'm being silenced while I slowly lose my passion and energy
Dismissed again what I needed most
Once again, what I needed the most was disregarded
My truth was shrouded in doubt.
The truth about myself was unclear and doubted
Soundlessly I sang out,
I sang out without making a sound
The listeners a tone-deaf crowd.
Those who were listening were unable to hear or understand me
Choose truth over fairness, over pride.
Choose honesty over what is right or what you want to believe
Nostalgia
A longing for the past
Contributed by Blake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@electriclovermrchkfkf
I guess my favorite song❤️ You guys are so talented !
@amistatmusic
Thank you 🙏
@koalify7166
I missed that song on your set list last night in Heidelberg. Probably one of the best live experiences I had in the last 15 years tho.
@amistatmusic
aww thank you! ❤️glad you liked it! 🙃
@jaaSibe
Same!❤
@jaaSibe
Is there a chance of including this song in the 2024 tour set again? One of my favorites!
@amistatmusic
we shall see how we go :)
@schlitzermcgurk5841
Love you guys. What an amazing voice
@thuy..
hearing this one on tour again would be wonderful ✨️
@Anjaxala
You are wonderful ✨✨ Your parents can be proud !!