Brilliantly Over Wintering On Me
Wratten rules. I have been following the various projects of Bob Wratten since mid 90s when I was played the Field Mice (Shout out to Old School Alex).
Since then Bob Wratten continues to produce a signature style of songwriting. Focusing on beauty with melancholy and mostly crystalline guitars.
Bob Wratten is an indie rock titan.
Accompanied by Anne Mari Davies and Beth Arzy, Lightning in a Twilight Hour is no exception to the quality output. Check out Luxembourg Signal’s winning LP review herehttps://meatsheetfanzine.com/luxembourg-signal-the-long-now-shelflife-records/
Lightning In A Twilight Hour – Overwintering – Elefant Records
Furthermore, if you’re a fan of Trembling Blue Stars, Field Mice, Northern Picture Library, JetStream Pony or Luxembourg Signal… gently sink into your cozy chair grab your beverage of choice and prepare to be whisked away to a different world.
This spring sees a new LP called Overwintering. Here are some free form notes so you can soak in this reflective, starry eyed LP. Lincoln Green is the opener. Gently strummed guitar and vocal harmonization that gives me a chill. When the vocals hit you know you’re in for some kind of melancholic but feel good type of adventure. Bittersweet and dare I say cathartic?
Delphinium is a restrained and rollicking all in one tune that seems to be referencing seasons and plants in bloom. This seems to be a recurring theme on this album and the previous stand alone single The Circling Of The Seasons. The quiet and soothingness is saturated and accentuated by Anne Mari Davies tranquil vocals. You may have heard her voice on other projects like Trembling Blue Stars, Northern Picture Library, and Field Mice. Also do not forget Field Mice’s Michael Hiscock lending some six string playing to this album. If not, and you made it this far, go listen and report back. You won’t regret this homework if you fancy this kind of music.
Next we jump around to tracks. Her Own Refrain features electro -gronks and synth hits set the stage for hybridized dream pop only Bob Wratten and friends can muster.
If you follow the wheel of the year and ancient wisdom then there are several tracks on Overwintering that are of key interest. Each of these bringing its own mood and psychology. Perfumed Meadows of May Snow feature the bloom of new life. Bittersweet melody as if the warmth of May is complimented by snow that has not succumbed to melt just yet. Gentle strum and pick of guitar chords phase in and out with some subtle horn like drones behind them. LIATH are creating fore, middle and back ground with sound on this and the many songs. Just like any painter who knows how to visually create depth. LIATH can do this on record. Which brings us to The Cinematographer As Painter. This track is a reminder to me that the arts all go hand in hand.
Aesthetics and sensitivity matter no matter what your medium may be.
The dual warmth of vinyl pops and engaging female vocals carries this track along as if the listener is traveling. The listener can travel as the painter or cinematographer by way of the music score.
Slow Motion Spirits marches with a hard machinated beat set up against a pristine guitar tone that might just be acoustic. The bass line call and response to the chords of the guitar is hummable and satisfying.
Finally Don’t Let The Times Define You is Wratten’s spellbinding closer.
A nudge that says don’t forget what is important. Smell the flowers. Be grateful. Let the skies remind you. It’s bare, honest, a bit lonesome but filled with awe and wonder. Ah yes already mentioned gratitude.
My own takeaway? Don’t let the ‘winter’ of whatever situation take away your wonder, power, and give thanks. This is not easy work. Nor do I find it easy writing lyrics and melodies that encapsulate these sentiments. LIATH show courage to be vulnerable and deliver on this record. So , with that keep the faith and know this record is there to hold the space if you need (someone) . Also do not forget Bob Wratten rules.
6th Crowd – Sokolonko
At the risk of sounding poorly uneducated here is a review that is dealing with the invasion of Ukraine. I generally do not cover politics. I don’t offer opinions. The reason being I don’t want a part in the polarization and division that politricks brings. It’s divide and conquer by design. The less powerful aka 99% of the globe usually are the ones on the receiving end of the gun barrel or blade, etc.
As a result of being one person who avoids debates, I feel helpless and powerless. On the contrary I know I am mentally powerful and so let me cover an artist who has Ukranian roots 6th Crowd is donating any proceeds towards humanitarian aid for those getting their homeland destroyed.
Sometimes all one can do is either hold space, or raise consciousness. I hope together we can do those things and more.
Such as cease fire and peaceful resolution in eastern Europe and other war afflicted areas.
Moving on to 6th Crowd . Here is a bit of information directly from the lens of a Ukranian artist.
“This track is inspired by an old Ukrainian harvest song from the steppe. Steppe is the region where I grew up. My dear region, which Russia is trying to rip off from us right now.”
“This is a Ukrainian song from Donbas”
For some points of reference , influence.. Gwenno, CHVRCHES, Grimes, Jane Weaver, Purity Ring, Austra, Zapask. All of these artists I have little or no reference of my own.
Sokolonko is a bass heavy track. Uncompromising beats, tinny hi hats.
Modernity meets the folk tunes passed down over generations.
Dasha’s voice is captured perfectly in front of the low and mid summery frequencies. I am happy to hear the lyrics in her native tongue. To be honest it is unlikely I get to the leave the state I am in very often so any vicarious journey into a culture other than American life are most welcome. I love USA, but in a perfect borderless world I’d love to be in the steppes hearing people sing this first hand. Sokolonko is the next best thing as you can stream it from anywhere you have internet https://6thcrowd.bandcamp.com/album/sokolonko
Lastly, your purchase of the track benefits those affected by the invasion of Ukraine. So it is something anyone can do from anywhere within your WIFI reach and means. I am keeping my intent on a resolution for the many affected that is in the highest good of all.