Review by Shannon Shumaker
It’s easy to close your eyes and get lost in the stunning sounds on The Lighthouse and the Whaler’s new EP, Paths. Coming just in time for fall and winter, these surreal songs are perfect for curling up at home on a cold day, or taking a drive as the weather begins to change. Stunning vocals, surreal soundscapes and beautiful imagery makes Paths feel like much more than just a five song EP.
The EP’s opening track, “Light Waves” feels like the beginning of a new journey for the band with the first line, “I know now my time has come,” coupled with stunning instrumentals. Setting the mood for the following four songs, the soundscape on “Light Waves” is quite beautiful and does a great job of immersing you in The Lighthouse and the Whaler’s world.
“Paths,” the second song and larger than life title track is where the story really begins, as lead singer-songwriter Michael LoPresti sings, “I was looking to find the path you took.” The song, which details the desire to discover your purpose or “path” in life perfectly embodies the theme of the EP, and the warm third song, “Ascending” feels like realization. Acoustic guitar and deep drums situate nicely alongside the ever-present synth and hypnotic vocals to create a very comforting sound.
Along with the underlying theme of discovering one’s self, the amount of diversity on Paths is very refreshing. The band could have easily created a dreamy little EP, but instead, they’ve managed to connect more mellow songs with poppier tracks like “Made of Water.” This fourth song ties in with those surrounding it with oscillating synth, but bass and drums take the lead, making for a much more upbeat sound.
The fifth and final song, “We Can Make It” offers an open-ended, hopeful conclusion to the EP and an ellipsis on The Lighthouse and the Whaler until the next chapter in their constant journey. If this EP is about discovering the “path” that we’re all on and moving forward on it, then “We Can Make It” provides some hope for those who are still figuring it out and promises that things only get better. As the song says, “The light is just around the bend,” and the future looks bright for The Lighthouse and the Whaler.
LISTEN TO “Paths”
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