Harder Hit – Loquat
In My Sleep – Loquat
The new album from Loquat is one of those rare cases where a band will make a series of subtle changes to their approach – all in the direction of producing a more sophisticated, complex sound – and have everything fit perfectly.
Usually, when bands try this they crash and burn, producing dull, pointless albums with no soul. This time, precisely the opposite occurred.Secrets of the Sea is chock full of character. Of knowing glances and shy glances.
And above all, it is smooth beyond all belief: gliding, seemingly without effort, through eleven exquisitely constructed songs. It’s a record without peaks and valleys – instead you’ll find ebbs and flows. It’s a delicate mixture of organic and electronic sound, a lush soundscape – the sort of record you want to simply let wash over you.
Each song fits perfectly into the larger scheme. Most begin languidly, in no hurry to club you with purpose – content instead to unfurl slowly. Some build toward a climax of sort. But far more often they leave things at a slow burn. Witness for example the outstanding opener “Harder Hit” which features a chorus that absolutely soars, and yet you’re left with a sense that much more remains hidden beneath the surface. Or there’s “In My Sleep” which is driven by a deep groove (and some excellent drumming) that skips along the surface of your subconscious like a rock across a lake.
This happens on track after track. They simmer without bursting, conveying a tremendous sense of latent energy that only seeps out in fits and bursts which slide past us. It’s a difficult task made possible only by a near perfect balance of elements. In that respect, this record reminds me in attitude (if not at all in style) of one of my favorite records of last year: Boxer by The National.
In terms of sound (and especially considering Kylee Swenson’s voice) this is far more reminiscent of Metric or a more chilled out Cat Power. It’s not a record that gets you humming the tunes. But it is one that works its way deeply inside your head. So much that it can sound both mysterious and completely appropriate at the same time.
It’s also one of those cases where the lyrics on paper are not particularly interesting – perhaps even trite. But once they are wrapped up in the music you realize that they are exactly right. The point here is to generate a soundscape, a general feeling, not to prove a particular point or come up with a witty turn of phrase. And in that respect it succeeds admirably.
Secrets Of The Sea came out last week, and you should go buy it immediately.