Everlovely Lightningheart
Cusp
4.8
Coming from the label that’s released albums by Pelican, Cave In, Knut, and Jesu, I knew I was in for something interesting when I signed up to review the debut from eccentric group Everlovely Lightningheart. While I consume virtually everything that Turner’s (Isis, Old Man Gloom) Hydra Head cooks, I’d be lying if I said Cusp wasn’t a disappointment.
Similar artists Jesu and SunnO))), though heavier and more drone-based, are successful because their compositions are tense and consequently riveting. Everlovely Lightningheart’s are not, plus the fact that the 40-minute Cusp isn’t divided into chunks makes it a daunting listen. After about two and a half minutes of sentimental piano, the entrance is left behind as one enters the throat of the opus. Catering to numerous styles – ambient, noise, drone, etc. – the song twists and turns, alternating between tiptoeing and stomping. Juxtaposing the near-soundless flapping of a hummingbird (check the cover art) with the noisy whooshing of an Apache helicopter, Everlovely Lightningheart observe the peak and valley rudiments closely.
When the 14-minute mark lands, the Oriental instrumentation is welcome respite from the ambient/noise. However, at the 23-minute mark, “Cusp” climbs another hill and the sounds that greet the listener are the sounds of a junkyard tribe gone haywire – shouting and banging on metal objects. The effect is nothing short of dissonant. Then, as a departure, the track jumps into serene waters while the rest of Cusp unfolds in a similar manner.
To get down to business, this isn’t an album I’d buy, even if I found a used copy. Oftentimes Everlovely Lightningheart are boring and lack the moves necessary to keep the listener entangled. Beneath the art of Cusp lies talent, ability, and inspiration, but this just doesn’t fare well. The record’s deficiency is further exposed when compared to the standards that have been set by the label itself. Though far from aggravating, this wasn’t what I was looking for.
