Los Angeles-based project The Sea At Midnight by Chris King weaves together surreal recordings with sweeping anthemics. A prominent producer through his work with Chris King (Cold Showers and Kai Tak), the single recently released, "Our Brilliant Destruction," stretches aesthetic parameters hard and has an extremely strong message that makes sure this is an outing of importance, one that tops the trivial frameworks of music.
A dominant dialogue between arpeggiated synths and atmospheric guitar tones, with beautiful drums fixes the stage, building tension to the last layer, with voices thoroughly laden to envelop the listener. The rhythm is in constant pulse-forward motion, coupled with guided programmed percussion and subtle electronic textures, the sum dipping into hypnotic grooves via basslines and riffing throughout the track. The vocal performance here is special and remarkable, receiving poetically fragmentary lyrics.
The song is a warning and solidarity response to the wildfires devastating Los Angeles and other parts of the world, while the proceeds of the single purchased off Bandcamp by King are going to the LA fire victims, implying the honesty of his message in so many words. It feels like an actual charity that cuts through this oft-hollow-touted industry, making it an unpolished expression of certain projects. It is at this point that the song becomes more of a channel for achieving true world effects, sometimes being able to bridge the gap between conceptuality and reality.
The single draws from the much-beloved Gothic and post-punk sounds of the late '80s while deftly weaving in modern acoustics. The arrangement has a cinematic touch, as if high-octane movements were tinting a storyline with subtle textures. "Our Brilliant Destruction" is one of those heavy, ominous titles that gives me shivers down my spine. Every time I listen, the weight of the words seems to weigh down on my shoulders. The harmonies may be high, but something underneath does this little trickle in my back. It is super intense, like overwhelming almost, but commanding enough to just pay more attention. Well, if you haven't joined the charm of The Sea At Midnight just yet, now would be a great time for you to jump on board.
When you stream or buy it on Bandcamp, you're not only supporting an incredibly talented artist but also contributing to a cause that needs help right now. And the best part? By visiting Bandcamp, you can show your support and be part of something bigger.