Lately my head’s been underwater. Every vibration sounds distorted. Nothing comes through clear. All my senses seem muffled. Food isn’t as satisfying, most thought fuzzy. I needed some kind hammer to break through the void. Still haven’t found the answers I’m seeking but hearing Desolate Peaks again broke through the silence.
Somehow summer 2012 always reappears again in many forms. State Faults were just one of dozens of seminal bands shaping how I’ll reminder those dog days. I was at my highest peak socially than at any other point of my life, yet extremely lonely and longing for intimacy or life direction.
In a way similar the situation is the same except my decisions have predicable consequences. Each attempt to explorer a solution creates more questions and fears. Sometimes just waiting for random events to unfold produces answers to problems. It did back then, maybe it will today.
State Faults reminded me not to besmirch my primal emotional frustration about my job, place in life, or whatever I’m upset about.
I’m glad I stumbled onto that record again. “Cities & Memories” starts off the new playlist in progress. Typically when I work on a new mix I look for songs that narrate my mood of the time. Other times to offset them. Fang Island’s brief discography served this role well over the last few months.
How these guys faded away is beyond me. They had some early success with “Daisy” back in 2010 but quickly fizzled after their second album Major. I got that LP for $5, what a bargain, at Amoeba early last year and acquired their self titled a few weeks ago for six times the amount.
Fang Island’s first album has some great songs on it but feels like a random a batch of songs. Great records include songs of characteristic symmetry. There’s a likeness of origin and style.
From side A to B Major blooms triumphant rock majesty. Like its name, each song boosts an abundance of joyous major chords. “Make Me” rejoices faith in the self resonating what optimism sounds like. Definitely a track that keeps finding it’s way onto my playlists. I added “Sisterly” to the mix for bombastic energy to cut through my malaise.
Music like that brightens my mood. I’ve looked to Turnover’s Good Nature to help sustain a healthier mindset. They had second best album in 2017 and I often wonder if it wasn’t the best. I’ve played it more than perhaps any LP I own.
I gravitate to sounds echoing the emotions I’m experiencing or want to experience. Good Nature accomplishes both. If you don’t live near on of California’s coast take a trip to the beach on a Saturday morning in the summer. Sit on your chair or over a towel on the sand, play through the album, hear ease of the golden state.
Some of those sounds play in my head when I think about intimacy. Enjoying recreational time with friends. Comfort at home. Companionship with my girlfriend. Whether we’re together or separated by fly over states “Bonnie (Rhythm & Melody)” quietly tunes up when it’s silent.
Disaesthetic 