Ashes of the Artist is the second EP from the international music duo Luminous Waves. American lyricist Mike Dobbins, and acclaimed British artist Leaone came together at a time when we were all confined to our houses in the wake of the global pandemic.
It seems that the artists leveraged much of this time to self-reflect, and create collaboratively. As a result, Luminous Wavez’s second project is extremely personal. It is also very exploratory, with a fusion feel that combines the profound lyricism of the last decades of the twentieth century, with a refreshed set of beats.
The artists admit to have been binge listening to favorites like Cash, Cornell, Cohen, and Cave when they started putting together the pieces that now make up Ashes of the Artist. The album is an indie rock delight that certifies there is much to look out for from Luminous Waves. Further, the EP has been mixed and mastered by Math (Matt) Bishop, who has worked with U2, The Killers, and other such artists who have become prime examples of their era.
Ashes of the Artist – EP
The album opens with the song Revenge Song Spiritual, suggesting the spirituality behind a vengeful plan that reclaims agency and power. As the baritone vocal delivery washes over, it inevitably reminds you of Johnny Cash. With an honesty that many would be too weak for, the artist admits to giving in to his raging need to be even, and then eventually stumbling upon peace.
Ex Regrets is the second track, and with this one, the pace picks up a little bit. The beats are head bobbing, and the country vibe mixes up with the sexy rhythm for a Latin feel. The lyrics are an unapologetic longing for what is lost: that which is gone and now haunts memories. A pensive but reflective meditation on relationships that didn’t work out, there is a forthrightness to the artist’s admittance of being delusional. He knows that he is afraid of facing the truth, and continues to tell himself comforting mistruths all day long. This, to me, makes him a mature, self-aware individual, and this grief is transitory, like all others.
Let the Pain Be Your Light represents healing in sonic form. The song is another rendition of some truths we forget with the passage of time: that pain is the first rung on the ladder of growth. To let go of the melancholy and darkness, one has to let the pain wash over fully and completely. The wounds heal to become badges of maturity. And while the recovery is long and sore, it inevitably meets you at its best.
The beats pick up as we reach the last song on the tracklist, Have No Fear. In this one, the artist challenges the opposition to do their worst to him, for he has no fear. He has transcended the vain fears of what external harm or damage could come his way. A brave and inspiringly hopeful song, this one offers the listener a sense of control and power. And so, it wraps up the album with a reminder to self-realize despite circumstances.
Listen to Ashes of the Artist from Luminuos Wavez here:
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Discovered via http://musosoup.com
