#everywhere fires...

One of the things that I always enjoy about Tim’s music is how he uses vocals as part of the soundscape, his harmonies in particular to create such depth to his music. 

And I just have to say it was really lovely getting a full album all at once, a set piece to be enjoyed together. I will of course vastly enjoy mixing the new songs into the rest of Tim’s catalog when throwing my playlist on random, but it’s so nice to just have this little set on its own as well. 

Note: I’m not great with terminology, if I’ve gotten things wrong, I apologize. Also there is very little/no talk about lyrics because they generally aren’t my focus while listening to music, vocals mostly being a (beautiful) part of the soundscape. 

Hold On

This is such a strong start to the album. It pulls you in with jagged, erratic tones, which really nicely opposes the soothing vocals. Then there is a beat drop you don’t see coming that really slaps you in the face in the best way possible, with a fast asynchronous drum beat that is reminiscent of Radiohead. The high bells that come in creating a wonderful alternating beat, that along with the low harmonies, really creates a lovely combination. Vibes are impeccable. 

Defib

First single released, and where it is very good on its own, it really fits so perfectly nestled into the second slot on the album. I listened to a lot of Grails earlier this summer (thanks to Tim’s rec during a stream) and this song has some of those vibes with the synths and slow plodding baseline that feels like it could go on forever. I really love the sound that cuts across the song, a nice sharp sound to balance the rounded edges of the rest of the song.

A Killing Kind

Third on the album is an understated song that seems to elude me in finding ways to describe. The transition from Defib was smooth and it pulls you in with some bright synths. I really enjoy the way the vocals overlap during the chorus, feels like it’s bouncing through my head. Then of course there are the lovely strings that come in and bring it to a whole new level.

Thy Will

The fourth track starts off strong with organs that really set the mood for the whole song. It’s brooding and dark, feeling like dark storm clouds overhead. I really enjoy the melody that the vocals follow, interesting and lilting. Truly a great song to walk to, sets a strong confident pace. Ending with the same gorgeous organ works as an excellent transition into the next song.

Working on my Hands

I hesitate to choose a favorite with an album so full of bangers, but I do really enjoy this one an awful lot. This song starts off eerie and unsettling. It calms down, but that sense of foreboding never really leaves, and when the big siren sound comes in, you feel it pull you by your chest and leaves you hanging, almost like a sense of vertigo, with the deep bass rumbling through your bones. All just ends up being very spooky and atmospheric. Another great transition into the next song, one of my favorites I think.

Paler 

The title track of the album has a beautiful drone like quality to it, with horns that pierce through, pulling you through the song. It’s gentle and repetitive and soothing like a rainstorm. I specifically had foggy days on the ocean imagery in my head, but that may have been influenced by the horns and the lovely deep vocals, but either way it creates a lonely, isolated vibe that fits the song very well. It fades gently into the next song perfectly. 

Your Arms, Boys

A real highlight to the album, starting off minimal with just vocals and a lovely little xylophone/piano, feeling like it's just taking place in a small room. Initially thinking it was going to be a simple ballad, I had not expected it to suddenly build in such a grandiose way, filling your ears with a larger than life feeling. It’s a very cinematic song, I can easily picture groups of sailors on a ship, singing this together to keep time as they work, the layers of beautiful harmonies laying the groundwork for that image. 

Evelyn