RELEASE: HSAL #59
RELEASE DATE: October 1st, 2021
AVAILABILITY: DIG
ARTWORK: courtesy of Stilyagi
STREAM/DOWNLOAD: HSAL bandcamp
FFO: Mogwai‘s “Rock Action“, Pan American‘s “Cloud Room, Glass Room“, Forest Swords‘ “Fjree Feather“, Every Bono-free moment of U2‘s “The Unforgettable Fire“
This may be the most adventurous outing in TLVS’ history. It may also be the most focused. Early in the writing, drummer Nathan McGlothlin found inspiration from the writings of Gerard Manley Hopkins, namely “The Golden Echo.” From this poem, TLVS captured the album’s title and its direction. Across its eight tracks, “Beauty” floats down streams of hopeful meditation toward moments of euphoric release.
Sonically, the trio employs some new pieces to their formula. The electronic beats and programming on album high point “Mt. Zion Temple of Love” create a vibe as potent without live drums as they do with them. Members of L.A. Dies provide ethereal vocal work (a first for TLVS) on “District Interpretation” and “Fragaria Virginiana.” Kaily Schenker (Graven Image, Meridiane), offers an enchanting cello melody on “Rupert Rainelle.”
Live drums and some early tracks were recorded in Richmond with longtime friend Allen Bergendahl (ShyLow, L.A. Dies), who also mixed the record. The band sent the album off to the UK for a stellar mastering job by Simon Scott (Slowdive, Fennesz).
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