Virtual Crate Digging: The Light Beckons
Folks are always asking about what’s new and upcoming but, as shown by the vital and venerable culture of crate digging, looking backwards can also yield unexpected results and reveal hidden gems. And boy oh boy do we have some hidden gems. Let’s dig through our virtual bins of vinyl and see what we find.
Balance The Big Moments With The Fragile
When sifting through the EPs, singles, and albums of LMNTL Records, there’s plenty that will catch your eye. Cartoon punks, vibrant kaleidoscopes of color, and yes, even a phallic 8-Bit rocket ship.
But there is something about a quiet underdog that stands out. Headed back to the beginning of LMNTL, we find The Light Beckons (LMTL-002) by Fragile Infinite. The soft aura of its abstract watercolor cover art is indicative of the hushed tones found within these indie soundscapes. And if that’s what you’re in the mood for, this record does not disappoint.
Whispered vocals, soulful longing, steady acoustic guitar, and a healthy dose of sound design create an emotional, intimate space for quiet storytelling. If you mashup the acoustic and organic qualities of indie folk with the atmospheric cloudiness of dream pop, that will give you a solid idea of the delicate yet expansive nature of these songs.
“Living In The Moment (In Another Way)” showcases the depth of the arrangements on this record. Starting small, it begins with an easy acoustic guitar line and distant vocals that have an Iron & Wine vibe. The track then follows a natural crescendo out of the potential melancholy, energized by choral vocals and a repeating mantra to “Take me home.” It’s instantly relatable, hopeful, and warm.
Venturing into the atmospheric side of the album, “May Love See Us Through” wanders through a foggy scene as lonely piano sparkles through ghostly synths textures. Though there are lyrics, the male lead vocalist sounds more like emotive improvised vocalizations, adding to the haunting and ethereal feeling that is present throughout. There is a sadness present, but a gentle glow of love and reflection warm up the track.
Just like how the album artwork helps The Light Beckons standout within the LMNTL Records collection, the mellow indie nature of the music works brilliantly to accentuate the quieter, solitary moments of a story arc to balance the bigger scenes and twists that come with dramatic productions of nearly every shape and size.
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