•
Rating: The Dark Side Of the Nam? Maybe yes. But maybe not. Why?
Problem 1: the pseudo-title above sounds a bit stupid.
Problem 2 -aka- basic/baser problem: the So-Called "New Acoustic Movement" was born dead, especially in terms of definition; very little New (acoustic music hadn't exactly disappeared before the programmatic "Quiet Is the New Loud"... and ELLIOTT SMITH? and BONNIE PRINCE BILLY?...), very little Acoustic (what's the deal with people like I AM KLOOT or ED HARCOURT being thrown into the mix anyway?), very little Movement (the artists "involved" never agreed to be labeled, classified, inserted into a movement).
So, again:
The Folk Side Of the Warp.
Problem 1 remains, problem 2 vanishes. Already something. The fact is that the legendary WARP takes a vacation from its (electronic) custom (APHEX TWIN, BOARDS OF CANADA, LFO, AUTECHRE & Co.) to release an anti-electr(on)ic record, read... ehm... ac(o)ustic. Isn't the fact already curious "in itself"? Indeed, one might want to write that the choice is dictated by the fact that GRAVENHURST have a (post)modern/modernist approach to "Folk," that they project the "guitar and voice" formula into a new/alternative futuristic and futurist dimension, that theirs is a traditional instrumentation (and song form) metamorphosed by a "new" attitude. Nonsense.
"Flashlight Seasons" is a beautiful predominantly acoustic music album, built on unintrusive arpeggios and shy vocal/melodic lines that have a great emotional impact, distant from both the mtv-ian grandeur of people like TURIN BRAKES and the takeaway, self-referential intimacy (in a negative sense) of the latest KINGS OF CONVENIENCE. Guitar, voice, some percussion, some brass, electronic whispers, melancholy and mystery, smiles and tears... and then SMITHS, SIMON&GARFUNKEL, LOW, BONNIE PRINCE BILLY, RED HOUSE PAINTERS... all very beautiful. Songs to listen to again and again: "Fog Around the Figurehead" -aka- how to feel romantically dreamy without wallowing in self-pity like high school sophomores, and "Hopechapel Hill", the "harmonic" light at the end of the tunnel. Ideal for lounging where-you-know-where.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
04 Bluebeard (04:26)
you stood for all that's true and honest it makes you feel hollow you can't decide which path to follow you dig your own hole are you coming out tonight? we're going for a drive the answer's in your eyes the voice inside your head says stay at home and stare at the demons that thrive inside a tale left half told wouldn't you love to know how the person inside survives is it any wonder you get sucked under and you can't rely on those you turn to they turn against you you don't know why you whored those values which burn your soul blue
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By NickGhostDrake
"Flashlight Seasons is a collection from the darker side of life recorded with a purity of sound, voice, and lyricism that takes your breath away."
"It's sadder than anything else playing in my reader and stronger than hordes of heroes that came back to warm my heart when I had turned my back."
