“Freedom Machine,” MothBreath’s single from six months or so ago, was a song that I fell for on the very first spin, which is something that seems to be happening with less and less frequency as the years go by. With “Misty Blue,” they have hit the spot again. MothBreath create a wonderfully unique sound, whilst the various elements that make up their music might be recognizable—a restrained trip-hop beat, gorgeous banks of electronica shot through with beguiling sonic motifs, amazing vocals—it is how they put it all together that sets them apart from the pack.
“Misty Blue” is a lush and luxurious sonic affair, building its weight not from great slabs of sound but through the layering of gossamer textures and opaque musical hues that, taken individually, almost lack any real presence, but when fitted together, build massive soundscapes.
And as creatively constructed and breathtaking as the musical platform is, you can’t help but single out Kirsty Dougall’s vocal prowess, her voice sometimes a hazy, soulful flow, at others hitting almost operatic heights, always surprising, never not seductive.
And if the sonics are a powerful experience, the inspiration and lyrics are equally poignant. Musing on the idea that even in your darkest moments, there is always a way forward and that, in particular, music, and indeed, the making of music, can be the answer when all feels lost. As Kirsty herself puts it, “Misty Blue was inspired by floating in the ocean one time, feeling really down and realizing, though completely immersed, I was being totally supported and soothed by it. Hopefully, we’ve captured that feeling of intense sadness mixed with hope. The dark and the light”.
A fantastic single that continues an impressive run of releases and a band who feel like the successors and sonic torchbearers to everything from Cocteau Twins to Portishead to all manner of today’s downtempo music makers.
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