Chairlift - Moth

How often do you chase a dream, only to be disappointed when you finally get it and find that it isn't what you thought it would be? The familiar adage of 'be careful what you wish for' then hits you in face, as you begin to regret your choices. This is a theme that often appears in popular music, as it affiliates itself well with wistful dream chasing and the longing for something better.
New York based duo Chairlift do some dream chasing of their own in their latest release Moth: a synth heavy dream-pop journey through the prospect of being drawn to someone, or something (Hence, the moth analogy), only to be ultimately disappointed when things aren’t as beautiful up close.
This theme is best illustrated in the song 'Moth To The Flame', obviously. Throughout this shiny
disco-house-pop track (think Everything But The Girl crossed with Haim), vocalist Caroline Polachek explains how she's drawn to the song's subject, even though she knows that this could be a mistake, “I should know better than to take your love letters to heart/ When the game's already lost before it starts” It's as if she's aware that she's on the brink of her own cautionary tale. This theme is echoed in the album's flagship single 'Romeo'; an up-tempo number where Polachek declares “Romeo, put on your running shoes/ I'm ready to go”, suggesting that the literal chasing of her dream/ love-of-her-life is of Shakespearean proportions, and is therefore ill fated.
Moth also highlights the more delicate and intimate moments in the pursuit of love.  For example, in the gentle ballad 'Crying In Public', Polachek bares her soul to the song's subject, “I'm sorry I'm crying in public this way/ I'm falling for you/ I'm falling for you”, which underlines the emotional core of this cautionary tale.  Polachek delivers these vocals with a wonderful fragility, which really exemplifies the sentiment.
It is important to note that Moth is structured in such a way that tells this story effectively.  This not only enhances the lyrics but also breathes life back into the very idea of an 'album', which has sadly faded in the modern instant-online-music-streaming age.
Chairlift's most recent release isn't exactly the happy-ever-after love story one might be looking for. It is, however, a sugary, yet bitter-sweet, account of how the fairy tale image of love isn't worth pursuing, and is ultimately shrouded in pain and regret.  If only there was a well known phrase that could sum up this message…

Tom Richardson - Pockets EP

Sometimes, it's important to slow down. Whether that's at work, at home, or anywhere you feel the need to stop and take stock of life.  Because, let's face it, the pace of life is often bewildering. Sometimes, we simply need to be honest about how life takes its toll. However, it is important not to dwell on the past, as this can have the tendency to haunt you….or so it seems.

After touring in an array of countries and traversing a number of continents over the years, Australian singer-songwriter Tom Richardson has built up a respectable collection of songs that speak of love, loss and, primarily, of taking the time to review life from a distance. Richardson's music, rooted in a mixture of traditional blues and acoustic melodic rock, radiates warmth and tenderness, whilst complimenting the fragility of his vocals. The title of his latest release, Pockets, embodies the mentality of reflection and conjures the idea of excess baggage, or a hidden burden that he has had to bear.

For instance, in 'Mistakes & Ladders', a slow waltz-like ballad, Richardson speaks of a failed relationship, during its aftermath. This subject matter may seem like a tired cliché for a singer-songwriter to attempt.  However, Richardson explains in the song's chorus that he doesn't feel regret and actually ponders why he isn’t more remorseful, as you might expect, given the circumstances. He also suggests that the break up was more of a burden on the respective other party, “Nobody's gonna hold like I hold you/ Nobody's gonna know like I do/ And nobody's gonna miss you, in the way that I should”. This perspective can only truly be achieved through the benefits of hindsight and distance.

The EP is peppered with moments of clarity and reflection, as Richardson also explores the concept of pure freedom and release.  The slightly more up-tempo title track 'Pockets' speaks of the feeling of abandonment and, perhaps, the clarity that comes with reaching one's own potential. Like when Richardson states,“My clothes, they have no pockets/ Makes me as I am free/ They were given to me by a man/ Who in his hands/ Held everything that he needs.”, which paints the picture of liberty in its purest form.

Pockets concludes on 'Song For Jens'; an immensely tender song, which finds Richardson lamenting the loss of a loved one.  The song acts as a memorial to all loved ones who have been lost, and interestingly presents the notion that there are no benefits to seeking reflection on matters from the past, such as love, as this is in fact time that is wasted.
This latest release from Tom Richardson really displays his maturity as a songwriter and offers the listener a credible insight into the true feelings and perspectives of someone who has lived, and who intends to keep on living and striving, towards a point of pure clarity. Something we can all achieve, if we just slow down, perhaps?...