Vibrant, refreshing, cleverly conceived catchy indie-rock-psychedelia with glittering guitar playing in this third LP by the Nashville duo, timing today’s release for the astrological super moon and themed all around fate, in a release that thematically and philosophically spins through the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness in a techno-cratic world. Particular inspiration comes with a medieval symbol, the ‘rota fortunae’; the wheel-of-fortune with roman-pagan origins, and each song as a spoke on the wheel, in which, “Lady Fate blindly spins the wheel as a king sits atop, a dead man at the bottom, and the descent/ascent on either side. Though there’s no comfort at the bottom, assurance lies in the inevitable and eventual spin. Impermanence is the only solace.”
Opener Tapdance In Limbo hits the album running with pace and bright guitar sound, and includes the title phrase and and the illusive perception of control (“When I’m at the bus stop / And I think I’m waiting patiently / But all along, well / My future is not up to me”). Godlike has a shimmering, dreamlike reverb and is more in the power-dream-pop realm (“I could go as fast as I can / But everything is on a loop”). But it is the sprightly single Tumbleweed that instantly stands out with jagged, psychedelic guitar solos, playing with the idea of escapism but how fate is in the hands of others (“I’ve been treasure-seeking overseas / Unconsciously I’ve been searching for the embassy / Grant me the permission / Can I come in please?”). Prelude To Waterloo comes at a vibrant, dizzying rock pace and colourful guitar overdubs, while Keep Your Company also shimmers brightly in sound and with a variant on the theme: “Writings on the wall / Destined in the stars …” Another standout, the thrumming, sparkling Allnighter, soars beautifully and plays on the idea of after-dark work life: “And it’s the backbone of the economy And it’s the work you do, you do for free” and how perception of time changes with inspiration: “Take a trip to nowhere / But always miss the sunrise / Two ways I know to get there / A long day, or an Allnighter.” Every number offers a sparkling energy, but especially the closing, hugely uplifting title track has some wonderful, effervescent riffs that sparkle in a guitar firmament that could sit happily in any Stone Roses number, and here in the context of love: “You and I, tangled up / In a Fate Euphoric In a fate where I know / That I love you more and more / Until we’re right back where we started from.” Tremendous. Out on Twenterprises.
New to comment? It is quick and easy. You just need to login to Disqus once. All is explained in About/FAQs ...
Feel free to recommend more new songs and albums and comment below. You can also use the contact page, or find more on social media: Song Bar X, Song Bar Facebook. Song Bar YouTube, and Song Bar Instagram. Please subscribe, follow and share.
Song Bar is non-profit and is simply about sharing great music. We don’t do clickbait or advertisements. Please make any donation to help keep the Bar running: