Experiencing certain significant life events often makes us look at the world differently. Similarly, they can make musicians approach their craft with new resolve, exploring a different part of the sonic palette to craft a sound better suited to what they now feel compelled to express. Such a process perhaps explains the more dulcet and delicate nature of Litvar’s third album, penned in the wake of the loss of frontman Rex Thurstan’s father.
If a more contemporary indie-rock sound has driven previous albums, Being Here turns to a more timeless, acoustic-driven, singer-songwriter vibe to better express these songs of love and loss, longing and life, and in doing so echoing the timeless sound of perhaps Wilco at their most unadorned and even the likes of Elliott Smith’s vulnerability and intimacy.
‘It Takes Magic’ certainly finds Litvar in unadorned mode, the vocals joined only by gentle beats and understated basslines, chiming guitars, and space…lot of space. Spaces that let the light in and the emotions out, that allow the song to breathe and atmospheres found between the breaths and beyond the notes to pool and percolate. ‘What Kind of Man’ is warm and embracing, soul-searching and honest; ‘Waiting For Something’ wanders between bursts of energy and languid, lush loveliness; and ‘I Hate It Here’ is simply gorgeously bleak, sentiment translated into fragile sound, sonics made only to convey emotion.
Being Here reminds us of many things. It reminds us that bands should never assume that they have a signature sound. That they should embrace the idea that the sonic landscape is broad, varied, and there to be fully explored. It reminds us, the listener, that comfort zones and expectations are not our prerogative. But more than anything, it reminds us that our time here is brief; to make the most of every moment, cherish those we love, and live life to the fullest.
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