The Spikes blossom with haunting beauty on single, “Sapling Tree”
With his new single “Sapling Tree,” The Spikes (the artistic moniker of Iago Haussman) delivers a stunningly intimate piece of music that feels like a distillation of his expansive creative world. Known not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a poet and painter, Haussman has always been an artist who refuses to stay in one lane. This track, however, strips everything down to essentials and lets his voice and vision shine with unshakable clarity.
“Minimalistic” can often imply sparse or bare, but in the case of “Sapling Tree,” it translates into a rich atmosphere where every detail matters. The keys shimmer softly, anchoring the song in warmth while allowing the atmosphere to feel open and spacious. Subtle production choices hover in the background with little textures that add dimension without ever overwhelming the core of the piece. It’s the kind of track that thrives in headphones, where the intimacy of the recording comes alive and you can hear every breath, every nuance of delivery.
At the center of it all are his vocals, which immediately grab your attention. They’re striking not because they aim for perfection but because they carry an unmistakable uniqueness, an authenticity that is deeply personal to him alone. His tone is soulful yet fragile, understated yet powerful, creating a paradox that draws you in closer with every line. The performance is drenched in emotion, a reminder that some of the most affecting music doesn’t come from overproduction or dramatic crescendos, but from the honesty of a singular voice telling a story only it can tell.
“Sapling Tree” feels like a quiet revelation, a glimpse into an artist who is still unfolding and reshaping himself across mediums but is already firmly rooted in his own creative identity. It’s a lower-key listen compared to some of his past work (of which we highly recommend you check out!), but that restraint is exactly what makes it resonate. It feels like a diary entry come to life, a whispered confession rather than a shouted declaration.
As The Spikes continues to build toward his full-length album in 2026, “Sapling Tree” serves as both a promise and a proof of concept: that his eclectic background, cinematic sensibility, and relentless artistry are converging into something rare. This is music that doesn’t just sound beautiful, it feels like it’s meant to linger.
The amount of different sounds he’s served up in 2025 is something to pay attention to. We urge you to check out the recent singles, but also to give this one a spin ASAP. You can listen, follow along, and stay tuned for more by clicking those links below.
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