While Half Waif's cinematic, keyboard-based atmospheres have generally expanded with each album to this point, they reach another level of vibrancy and drama on their fifth album, Mythopoetics. Partly written by project leader Nandi Rose during the COVID-19 outbreak -- its predecessor, The Caretaker, was released in March 2020 as much of the U.S. was locking down -- it adopts a less familial, more philosophical outlook while remaining distinctly personal. Rose eases listeners in with the vulnerable "Fabric" ("I'm too tired ...
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While Half Waif's cinematic, keyboard-based atmospheres have generally expanded with each album to this point, they reach another level of vibrancy and drama on their fifth album, Mythopoetics. Partly written by project leader Nandi Rose during the COVID-19 outbreak -- its predecessor, The Caretaker, was released in March 2020 as much of the U.S. was locking down -- it adopts a less familial, more philosophical outlook while remaining distinctly personal. Rose eases listeners in with the vulnerable "Fabric" ("I'm too tired to fight your fabric in my heart"), a gentle piano ballad with breathy double-tracked vocals that serves more as a prelude than an opening number. That soon comes with "Swimmer," a song whose initial sparse, high-contrast percussion and keyboard timbres imply great depth despite little density. Eventually, humming synths fill some of the void as the track settles into a hip-swaying groove. (The song was inspired by an aunt who maintained a level of physical strength that seemed at odds with her Alzheimer's.) Subsequent tracks, including "Take Away the Ache" and "Orange Blossoms," combine theatrical, cabaret-like piano balladry with throbbing beats and fluttery, glistening synth designs. The metaphorical "Horse Racing," which has mankind running in circles, is one of the hookier entries with its strong, simple beats, mechanical timbres, melodic instrumental flourishes, and strong vocal harmonies. Rose wrote that one in an unfamiliar rental at the very beginning of lockdown, and its lyrics speak to both breaking free of habits and a fear of what's to come. At the same time the album is likewise persistently vulnerable, it returns to themes of persevering. After a vivid half-hour or so, that includes last song "Powder," which bookends Mythopoetics with a quiet denouement consisting of skeletal piano, warped electronics, and a childlike melody that describes watching a meteor: "I'm standing far back from where we watched when I was younger/The living room is black, the house is gone/The vacant lot, a little scar." ~ Marcy Donelson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Mythopoetics to cart. $7.20, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2021 by Anti-.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Mythopoetics to cart. $7.20, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2021 by Anti.
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Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
