Poetry should be the inspiration for more songs. Vastness Vastness, whose very name is literary, demonstrates how closely connected music and poetry are. The poem was written by Jack Woodbury, teamed here with The Temple and Alter Natural. Reproduced on the band’s Bandcamp section, the song addresses writer’s block while representing its close. What is the great vastness? It might be interpreted as the source of ideas or its contrary: the strong current of darkness.

While listening to the title track, one may think the formation of suggestions from nothing, the kind in the conflict, the ancient voice. At second there are only loops ~ referencing Woodbury’s song. These loops fall and twirl, calm and device. It’s easy to get lost within them, to retreat to the atmosphere. However, as they begin to edge, cautiously exploring their surroundings, notes that sound like music or handpan come to mind. The clarinet starts to give personality and shade. Within the expanse, something appealing is stirring: an idea, a collection, a picture, a character, a storyline. At 27 moments, the record itself is great. The loops conclusion and restore eleven minutes later, just like the real writing begins. And then, for a small, beautiful period, the harmonica and drums in full power, the bursting of the dam, the ideas flowing forward, the writer’s block finally snapped. One may ride these waves when they first appear, not knowing when the next wave will appear. The surprise passes in the nineteenth moment, the writer’s frenzy over, replaced by a strong inner peace. The loops no longer audio clear, but satiated.

In comparison,” Lullaby” is relaxed from beginning to end, seventeen hours of placidity, a relaxed surface with only mild vibrations. The musicians claim that they hope their song “engenders moments of silence and reflection,” and that they have succeeded in this endeavor. This time, the spaces between papers, which sound like stable and passing visitors, are as important as the information themselves: a silent party of tone and not-silence, then solitude. As the last circle ends, the center comes softly to sleep. ( Richard Allen )