The most recent release from Westminster Park is Dark Night, Nearly Dawn. On their Bandcamp page it says, “The songs were specifically sequenced in an order to tell a story about getting through tough times or even, just one tough night.” That’s a sentiment I heard a lot recently in art and for good reason since we are going through the pandemic which shifted our way of life.
There is a mix of songs on this release and let’s approach them one by one. The first song is entitled “Candle Fly In (instrumental)” and it is a very nice mix of instrumentation. There is some flamenco work. The fidelity was impressive and the song created a mix of both tension and calm. The next song “I Just Wanna Get Home Tonight” felt like an extension of the first song and was a highlight. There is some more great guitar work and some exceptional vocals. It’s about yearning to go home which is a familiar message we have heard before but well done. “Mr. Sammler's Planet” is a lot more rock based. The song felt more lo-fi as well in some regards which mostly seemed that way because of the distortion. I really liked the tone which was reflective, melancholy but also quite hopeful. This song felt like a turning point in the flow. “I Guess It's Good Night” is more rock focused and definitely a song that has a couple of powerful crescendos. I’m not sure of the original intent but to me this song felt like it was about gratitude. “Come On Now” is very political. Some of the initial lyrics threw me off guard because it felt like a Celtic rock song and just wasn't expecting it. Suffice it to say it’s a hopeful song and has the spirit of revolution in the mix. “Candle Fly Dream” is some nice instrumental music with spoken word poetry that is delivered with that cadence you always hear with spoken words. “In My Life” is way more lush and a mix of melancholy and beauty. I really liked “Wash Away” and the digital horns worked as well in ways you wouldn’t expect. “Nearly Dawn” is the definition of a slow burn. It’s over ten minutes and reminded me of a Nick Cave song. That being said it's a well deserved ten minutes and quite a journey. The more intimate moments were the most powerful for me but the whole album is a solid piece of work. Perhaps more importantly it seems relevant for today. Recommended.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
April 2024
|