You may think this is an odd mix. A sound brought calmly together, not thrust upon us, but melded to create tenderness. Subtlety is combined with flashes of resoluteness, and hope isn’t carted off to the emergency room, it’s alive and well. And over the course of new record Distant Wells, Historian maximise their potential and add instrumentals which muster up a sense of sombreness. The band are truly at one with their instruments. Strings are played out, enforcing a vivid picture inside minds that need to open up and embrace sensitivity. By digging deeper into this luxury sequence of songs, you’d be calm, less ruthless, and entranced.
It is a detailed, refined sound that Historian play, discerning and composed with pride. They not only follow the shine which comes from eyes wide and wisdom fuelled, but they know how to write lyrics of curiosity. They embark on nullifying pain, they write what filters through their intelligent mind-sets, escaping bitterness. Not only that, the band also venture out to try and shake life into dying souls. Let the music empower you!
Distant Wells could be perceived as Historian’s love letter to sadness. It is a record you must listen to on multiple occasions too. It is purposeful and eloquent, but there’s so much to absorb, with story-line after story-line pushing through. This is a wonderful thing, as so many acts dilute their music and downgrade, honest lyricism.
The record begins like a fast paced movie, as the protagonist runs from a brutal enemy. It slows down eventually and the vocals appear through the atmospheric instrumentals. ‘Giving Up’ starts hauntingly. The singing is calming but the lyrics tell tales of suffocating pressure and love being smashed to pieces. It is a cathartic listen, which broadens the band’s appeal even further. ‘Spiral’ commences beautifully. Strummed guitars and vocals of force run throughout the song. It’s a slightly depressing insight into the act’s mentality and signature sound.
Historian will appeal to the listener who isn’t afraid to delve into a different concept. Yes, the music is a solemn reminder that we don’t always need loud guitars and cut-throat lyrics to spark our interest. We need more heart soothing diversity in what we put our ears to.
