by Klaudio Krstić
In a world starving of authenticity and introspection, the North Carolina based quartet Cor de Lux release their sophomore album, titled Media, plunging the listener into a raw and dreamy haze of tasteful guitar flourishes, pensive vocal lines, and driving rhythms. Making the most out of their post-punk and dream-pop influences, the band manages to create a unique and immersive experience by deftly weaving between meditative ambience and rushing percussive sections, all the while maintaining their crystal-clear artistic vision. The album’s cohesiveness is backed up by the quartet’s use of skillful musical composition, and they make sure to show off their abilities to the fullest throughout the album’s ten tracks.
These compositional skills are evident from the very first song of the album, “Idol Season,” with the song’s individual elements slowly creeping up, all the while following similar musical themes. The ethereal buildup is followed by melancholic bending guitar licks and a driving rhythm section. It is also worth noting that the steady pulse of the drum kit does little to reduce the otherworldly ambient nature of the track, as it sits comfortably within the mix, complimenting the melodic and harmonic elements perfectly. “Futures” keeps the momentum going with a steady beat and bright twinkling guitars, serving as a perfect set up for the darker “Whose Side,” which features a strong chorus and memorable melodies throughout. “Snap Out Of It” uses relaxing vocals and soaring guitar sections to quite literally “snap” the listener out of the dark and moody atmosphere of “Whose Side”. “Rumors” maintains the relaxed mood in the first half before shifting gears into an overwhelming burst of energy which is present throughout the second half of the song.
“Syncopated” keeps a steady and present pulse while slowly introducing more chaotic rhythms and melodic elements within the second half until it at last dissolves into ambience. “Glass Like Drinking” places the guitars more upfront and introduces bright, hopeful vocal melodies. The song’s sections are perfectly balanced out which when combined with the track’s clear presentation of melodic ideas makes it an incredibly enjoyable and easy listen. “Slogans” reintroduces some themes similar to that of the first track, while also revealing a more alien and otherworldly soundscape, which marks the beginning of the last stretch of the album. The penultimate track, “The Grey,” makes full use of the ambient and alien tone set up by the previous song, while also adding some warmth to the mood of the album. The guitars slowly roll out throughout the track, as if mimicking the sound of a wave on an ocean. The ethereal and wave-like nature serves as a perfect prelude to the final track, “The Ships,” which showcases the band’s ability to create an ethereal and otherworldly soundscape to the fullest. The guitars work overtime on the track to form a dreamy backdrop for the bright and hopeful vocals. The track serves as a perfect optimistic and hypnagogic ending to a dynamic and enchanting album.
All in all, Cor de Lux have used Media as a tour de force in creating a wide variety of sonic soundscapes, with each track having a distinct identity yet seamlessly blending into the others. They create a cohesive experience and a strong artistic statement bound to captivate any listener who may look to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience.