Picnic Lightning - Simulacra
The 2023 release by Texan band Picnic Lightning, "Simulacra," is a brooding and introspective exploration of the complexities of existence. The band's trademark wall of sound is on full display, with haunting guitar riffs and driving floor toms creating a sense of urgency that propels the song forward. The track's title references the concept of simulacra, which suggests that our perception of reality is often shaped by artificial or constructed representations of the world. This theme is reflected in the song's lyrics, which touch on the idea of living in a world that feels increasingly divorced from the tangible and the real. Despite the heavy subject matter, "Simulacra" is a remarkably well-composed track. The mix incorporates elements of ambient post-rock music, with swirling textures and subtle melodies adding depth and complexity to the song's sonic landscape. In addition, the impeccable vocal harmonies create an ethereal and dark tonality that compliments the band's artistic vision. A haunting tale from Picnic Lightning It's easy to imagine "Simulacra" as the soundtrack to a moody, atmospheric film, like David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" or Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut." The song's brooding intensity and dark narrative would perfectly suit the eerie, dreamlike atmosphere of these films, drawing the listener deep into their unsettling worlds. At the same time, "Simulacra" has a timeless quality that speaks to the enduring appeal of rock music. The band's influences are clear in the song's sound, with nods to classic acts like Velvet Underground and The Beatles, as well as more contemporary bands like Arcade Fire and Courtney Barnett. Picnic Lightning's ability to weave these disparate influences into a cohesive whole is a testament to their skill as musicians and their dedication to their craft. Ultimately, "Simulacra" is a powerful and thought-provoking track that showcases the best of what Picnic Lightning has to offer. Its dark, post-everything sound is a perfect match for the band's raw and experimentative style, while its themes of reality and representation make it a timely and relevant addition to their oeuvre. Fans of the band and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in this haunting and powerful track.
ORCA-Out of Reach
ORCA brings her alt-indie rock sound to us in varied layers. Introspective through lyrics and well crafted melodies, she has found inspiration from 90s bands that defined the grunge and post-rock movement. The result is a sound that echoes with her till today-and can be her defining palette. This is her latest single, Out of Reach. Using droning, low frequency chord progressions, she manages to create a dense background and foreground division. This could be heard in 90s bands like Cranberries, Pixies and even a phase of Pearl Jam. The kind of output you hear is an amalgam, the turn of sound at the beginning of the millennia. Through her melodic vocals, ORCA creates a rich back and forth from the kind of canvas she is playing off of. The chorus is a memorable kind, initiating a bittersweet narrative of memory of what can and could not be. There are shifts in the groove and rhythm, keeping her tone and expression intact. Through experimentation, she creates something that resonates with this style she holds so dear. Soft impacts of the percussion with the reality of the lyrics make it an incredible track to experience, given the production aiding the ambience as well. This would be a fabulous track in The Shape of Water (2017). Especially, certain exploration scenes bring about a perfect pocket of sound to be explored, lyrically as well. Listen to her singles like Insomnia and Small Talk as well. Follow her for more mesmerizing music like this!