I've been making excuses and putting off posting my thoughts about "Siberia". I wasn't sure how to approach writing about it, I know I can't post an unbiased review-by-the-numbers because no matter what I say about it, I'd be leaving so much out.
When I first started hearing inklings about the direction Lights was taking with "Siberia" I'll admit to being nervous. I adored her first EP, and then 2009's "The Listening" and I was comfortable with the sound, so when I heard that there would be a grittier sound and possibly some dubstep influence, I wondered if I would be able to love this new album. Even when Lights released "Everybody Breaks A Glass" I still was unsure of the direction, I mean EBAG was GRITTY and there was even *gasp* rap in it (courtesy of Canada's own Shad, who also makes an appearance on "Flux And Flow).
Well, after what seemed like an eternity of delays, it was released and I felt foolish for worrying. I forgot my primary rule..."Always Trust Lights". I read in an interview that Lights was trying to go for a "less perfect" sound on "Siberia" as compared to the immaculate synths of "The Listening" and it paid off, these "imperfections" are perfect.
"Siberia" was written from a very different place in Lights' life than her earlier music, while the music is grittier and edgier, the lyrics are coming from a much happier place. "Siberia" is one of the most honest and uplifting albums I've ever heard. Love, longing and hope are all themes expressed and there is a song for every mood. Also, this is one of the most cohesive albums I've heard in a long time. While you can listen to each song as an individual entity, as a whole, it's an amazing aural canvas especially when you factor in the nearly 9-minute long epic "Day One" which it turns out was the last part of the very first jam session between Lights and her collaborators on this album, the Canadian duo "Holy Fuck".
I could keep writing and writing about "Siberia" but it's really something you're going to have to experience for yourself. Give it a open-minded listen and you'll understand why I'm so taken with this talented young woman. She's, well, brilliant and she's only getting better.
If you want a physical copy of "Siberia" you might have to do some searching in the USA but I believe that Best Buy and FYE carry it. Of course you can also get it it in digital form from iTunes and Amazon
Lights has launched a headlining tour which started in Canada and is going coast-to-coast in the US before heading back to Canada. Check out her official site for dates and tickets. Her live show is not to be missed! You can also find Lights on Twitter and Facebook.
This blog will always be first and foremost about independent musicians. While I may from time to time post about some signed musicians, they will never be the focus. I honestly believe that independent musicians are the heart and soul of music, there is no gatekeeper between them and their audience deciding what to release and when.
