Lathe of Heaven - 'Oblivion'
Lathe Of Heaven offer philosophical reflections mixed with instant-vintage melodies on their lofty, cerebral single Oblivion
With sounds designed for low-ceilinged, sticky-floored rock clubs, and lyrics that explore esoteric, reflective thought, Lathe Of Heaven slam together primal and intellectual vibes on Oblivion. It’s straight-up, towering post-rock, from an American band that takes their cue from some of the richest and most celebrated British 80s styles. Their upcoming album Aurora promises tales of science fiction and deep literary referencing to stimulate the dimmest creative recesses. It’s a collection of songs which aim to expand the band’s palate, and open up their true potential.
Oblivion is the latest offering from this Brooklyn-based group, a band not afraid to explore the horror - Or enlightenment - of staring into your own soul in the mirror. Heavy in sound and in subject matter, Oblivion takes inspiration from Descartes, (as you do!) his belief that the mind and body are entirely separate, and the wider analytical thought-tunnels such a theory can bring up. Borne from half-captured thoughts on the idea of constantly repeating a word until it loses meaning, Oblivion melds these tangentially related concepts to form a poetic existential statement. It is a song which, at it’s best, implores you to challenge the very core of your being.
Singer Gage Allison talks of “repeating words to yourself into oblivion” as he muses on the fanciful idea of taking a drug that heightens your self-awareness by creating an endless feedback loop. Unapologetically solipsistic, Oblivion wraps this literate, high-concept songwriting in chorus-pedal-soaked guitar sounds. While the band’s roots are firmly planted in new wave, they channel an authentic punk rock sensibility through their work - The guitars are louder and the drums are harder. It’s got a keener edge, with wall-rattling bass, and a couple of hooks in the mix to link it all together.
As Oblivion works up to the chorus, Allison delivers the beautifully simple observation “A cascade, familiar and strange, stirring behind your eyes” as the band deftly transitions between sections. This smooth, easy-fitting nature between frontman and band keeps the energy going right through to the finish. It’s blistering hot stuff, with the thought experiment held within acting as a skeleton key for the band’s main ethos. Oblivion teases a sound and direction from Lathe Of Heaven which is deep, thought-provoking, and most importantly - head-swirling and groovy.
Words by Adam Davidson
