In their new record, Superluminal, Canadian alternative rock band Locket takes us on a stirring and cathartic journey through their own experience with time and the slips and falls that eventually birth new chapters during that process.
In music, the notion of time is always a profound and obtuse subject to discuss. For alternative rock band Locket, the theme of time is central to their new album, Superluminal. Locket's latest sad and catchy musical journey aims to address this question by reflecting on pivotal moments in life and asking if one has lived life to the greatest extent.
"Superluminal" is an album that captures the essence of time, the people in your life, and the realization that youth is fleeting. While many bands have covered this topic, Locket's strength lies in their awareness of their age and experience as a band. They skillfully blend different genres and atmospheres with captivating lyricism, making their album a joy to listen to even though the concept has been explored before.
When working on this album and the concept, Locket has accomplished more than they could have imagined in their ten years as a band. Over ten years, the band toured Canada, the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, including a summer stint on the Vans Warped Tour. Even after taking a hiatus in 2017 and reuniting two years later under the new name Locket, they would release the album All Out in late 2019, getting favorable reviews and rekindling the band's flames.
In their second experience, titled "Sonic Boom," the underdogs are back and more confident than ever since their release in 2019. Deeply atmospheric and filled with vibrant guitar riffs, Locket has spared no expense in taking us on a journey of nuance and emotionally charged lyrics. The beautiful harmonies and vocals make up the duration of the record, creating a rabbit hole of raw emotions that is sure to leave an impact.
Another moment that truly captivates the essence of Superluminal is “Kilayear.” Straightforward and vocally vulnerable, the concept of the passage of time is present and even aggressively musically represented here with agitated guitar riffs, infused electronic elements, and its gorgeous inclusion of someone talking about their experience with time; how it jumps back and forth to what seems like two separate moments in time, and how they are at peace with what has happened up to this point.
Other upbeat and grungier moments like “Rearview Memory” give the illusions of a distant memory with their technical skill of blending pop, dirtier guitar riffs, and extended use of ethereal elements before extending to a more slower and intimate experience, “you_i.” In a quieter, illuminating, and denuded experience on the album, the speaker gives an account of what he’d do if he were immortal and finds a sense of peace in the realization that he wouldn’t change a thing. It's brilliant storytelling and a nice continuation from “Rearview Memory. While one heeds not to get too hung up on the past, “you_i” embraces another concept of time in appreciating the present.
Electric moments like "Funhouse" and "Marathon" provide a welcome change of pace on the album. Locket brings some of their greatest ethereal, vocal, and instrumental themes forward on these two moments, along with some of the best sun-kissed guitar melodies and energetic percussion energy on the record, making them two of the most ambitious and technically expressive moments on the record.
Superluminal ends with the stripped-down number, “Finale.” A track that acknowledges that it's not about the things you do in life, but the people in this lifetime you surround yourself with, Superuminal ends on an impactful note.
"Superluminal" is an album that captures the essence of time, the people in your life, and the realization that youth is fleeting. While many bands have covered this topic, Locket's strength lies in their awareness of their age and experience as a band. They skillfully blend different genres and atmospheres with captivating lyricism, making their album a joy to listen to even though the concept has been explored before. Locket's musicianship and storytelling abilities shine through, making "Superliminal" a worthy follow-up to "All Out."
Comments