Release
date: October 14th 2016. Label: Radiance Records. Format:
CD/DD/Vinyl
Wider
Than The Sky – Tracklisting
1.
Stages
2.
Beyond You
3.
Another Room
4.
Pictures
5.
Craven Road
6.
Marazion
Band
Members:
Patrick
Walker - Guitars & Voice;
Christian
Leitch - Drums;
William
Spong - Bass
Review:
40
Watt Sun returns with a second album. It has been years since the
authors brought us “The Inside Room”, but the long wait has not
resulted in a drastic difference in demonstrative sound. This band’s
main ingredient, as least for for me, has always been about emotional
reflection and this ingredient is still the predominant flavor in
this braise. Although it may eavesdrop dismal, it is never cold, but
more a like a warm broth of growing personality toward self worth.
The
real metamorphosis is that this album is unplugged as compared to its
predecessor. This offering is essentially without the static din of
distortion. The resonating guitar of the past is still here, but the
associated doom noise is not, resulting in a silkier, overall
kindlier sound. As compared to the first album, the vocals sometimes
hit higher notes than before and the music is at times softer in
general sound. This record will be more accessible without the noise
for those who are turned off by bands that utilize any distortion
whatsoever.
Original
fans will not be disappointed because this band could just as easily
convey passion using only ordinary kitchen gadgets. A final caution:
do not listen to this album while under the influence of prescription
drugs, especially if you are a pill hoarder, due to the possibility
of operating at a more sluggish manner than ever before. This record
will slow your heart rate down to that of a humpback whale.
Now,
to the songs my fellow music enthusiasts…
“Stages”
is an unhurried, invisible monster of a song, a lingering venture
that exhausts the listener. Tears may well up in your eyes on this
slow motion ride of crumbling tragedy. This track is like wood polish
that is worked into the grain of your grandma’s thirsty, dry
rocking chair. My mouth was literally hanging open by the end.
“Beyond
You” showcases the power of despondency. The contemplated singing,
echoed strumming, lulled lower end, all against the march of a snare.
An example of the perfect poignancy in music.
“Another
Room” is a return to the original oscillator of melancholia. This
is a deliberate and receding musical tide, only advanced and
retreated with the utmost orchestrated care in timing and
consideration. The instruments and vocals are on an equivalent
harmonious field of electronic sorrow.
“Pictures”
is the most buoyant track on this album. The musicians and their
contraptions of melody shimmer like gold observed under the water of
a warm stream in olden times.
“Craven
Road” is the soundtrack to humanity vanquished. It is like drawing
back a catapult that will never release its load. The worrisome
burden of coiled rope will weaken and deteriorate, leaving the rock
in its original position upon the earth’s swollen chest.
“Marazion”
is a rekindle of ancient artistry, which constructs a rectory for
strange villagers and is the closest thing to a song of joy for this
trio of gloom.
“Wider
Than The Sky” is not unlike a still life, November colored,
painting left out in the random rain. We are drawn to a work of art
that is seemingly alive, containing a message, a sonic letter to
communicate unalloyed sentiment. The album’s melodious shades
streak to evoke emotion so often trapped within our commonplace
intellectualism, constituted by a band as unique as a lonely road in
an odd season.
The
lesson to be learned here: There is only one… 40 Watt Sun. This
band is a therapy for pain and they have composed the soundtrack to
your life. I recommend reclining outside on a bed of broken almonds
and allowing your self to be covered by a blanket of autumn’s
falling leaves. For those obsessive thinkers out there, this album
recognizes you and is unsurpassed in understanding your mystery. It
is best enjoyed alone with all your old ghosts and some of your new
ones. Your arms will ache from holding your self so tight.
Words
by Nick Palmisano
Thanks
to Becky at Pioneer Music Press for the promo. Wider Than The Sky is
available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Radiance Records.
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