Review Summary: Through futility and fragility there is hope.
True strength isn't shown through an optimistic outlook on life. Strength can shine brightly by means of perseverance through bleak and difficult moments in life. Examining the transience and the heartache of failing relationships,
Wild Notion takes a hard look at the moments that replay in our memories, good and bad, and places value in every moment.
“Sandcastles,” begins the dream-pop journey, painting an analogy of time going to waste: “Sandcastles built on nothing.” It opens the album with a persistent, but low mood. The soft guitar and light vocals might seem straight out of a sad song from a sad album, but the continued strumming of guitar through the break in drums shows conviction. “...the way we feel couldn't be wrong.” It brings meaning to the moments that disappear.
Some moments in life pass by faster than we are ready to admit. In “Losing The Light,” there's an effort to hold on to a relationship. “I'll take heartache, losing the fight.” But moments can only be relived in our heads for so long before introspection must take place. “Darling, I see you falling, and I do nothing...”
“Head On,” takes a break from the fearless rhythm of the first half of the album and seeks resolution in a cathartic, safe place. Its slow pace shows a comforting patience like a gentle hand reaching out. “Talk to me head on.” It plays through the dreadful sweating palms before a breakup.
I know what you're going to say. “Words heavy as concrete, poured into the street.” It's okay to feel this way.
It's okay to cry.
Night Flowers have been amassing a musical fortitude since their self-titled debut five years prior.
Wild Notion takes these strengths and incorporates the concept of courage into a single focused package. The chilling 'gazey aspects of the guitar and vocals contrast with consistently confident melodies. It's an advancement in their sound reflecting the maturity in their psychologically progressive lyrics. “Insecurity comes naturally, and your misery loves company.”
While the climactic feel of, “Head On,” may not be the highlight on the album for some listeners, it's only because the album has solid tracks from start to end. The album's most upbeat song, “Night Alive,” shows us a taste of male vocals, which is a great choice, as it really amplifies the happier tone.
Wild Notion displays its versatility of mood in full force, though. Album closer, “Cruel Wind,” is arguably the strongest single, despite being expansive and droning in nature. It showcases the band's heavier post-rock side in a dark culmination of events, a sharp sting of overheard words, possibly reflective of a final betrayal. It closes the album in a feeling of uncertainty.
Wild Notion's gift to us is its unadulterated display of its heart on its shoulder. It's enough to paint an unabridged tale of relationships and strength. It's enough to reveal its depth of emotion in the midst of breaking apart. It's something more, to expose the hope hidden within its heartache. “...even at its very worst, it makes me feel alive.”
Trve Score: 4.6
Genre: Dream Pop/Indie Pop
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0ONcUFV3GUUQ2Rrqvh9hW9
Bandcamp: https://nightflowers.bandcamp.com/album/wild-notion
Youtube: "Cruel Wind" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoaQ3QmATq0
