The nine-track release sees the alt-rock band explore self-fulfilling prophecies, past mistakes and the journey they are on. It’s not always easy to do, but spending time and becoming aware of the path we’ve been following can help us come to terms with different mistakes we may have made, and help guide our future. This enlightened sense of awareness can be truly beneficial, and Earthquake Lights remind us that self-reflection is a healthy habit to have. Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “Where you end up can reflect your own choices, and this record is focused on that level of self-assessment.”
Signs of Life kicks off with “Silhouette”, a track which will certainly stimulate your brain, as they talk about extraterrestrial existence and the search for life within yourself and within outer space, probing “What's the connection between music and space?” A swirling mix of strings and warm piano melodies, Rodenhouses’s soulful, blues-infused vocals deliver a distinct sound, setting the bar high for the rest of the album and giving a taste of what is yet to come.
The album then transitions to a more relatable and universal theme with “Pictures” which touches on the unhealthy role social media has in our everyday lives. Rodenhouse explains, “Maybe you only feel connected to that person because of how immediate the internet and pictures have seemed to make them. But seriously what even are these connections you have with other people on the internet? Just because you see a picture of them it doesn't mean they're actually important to your life.” “Pictures” features Lindsey Lomis, whose stunning sweet vocals perfectly compliment the band’s mature and polished sound. The calming, almost hypnotic track glows with smooth and silky instrumentation that mimic liquid gold.
The emotion-fuelled “Heartbeat” is a reminder to value the people in our lives that we hold dear, as we never know what the future holds. A testament to the band’s desire to create songs that focus solely on analog/ acoustic instruments, the organic and pure nature of the music is refreshing and becoming more unheard in our modern age. The band share, “We're trying to make a timeless record that leans into traditions of music and playership, not the future of music. Samples and AI and drum loops are all amazing, but we're trying to make records that celebrate humans. It took over 100 people to make this record, and I believe you can hear that in the sounds of this record.”
Earthquake Lights cover a range of themes throughout the album, offering something for everyone. Through their storytelling lyrics and profound, contemplative narratives, Earthquake Lights have the ability to create deep, evocative releases that penetrate into your soul. Signs of Life does just that, as it holds you captive for its entirety and lingers long after the final note ends.
