REVIEW: From Indian Lakes – ‘Absent Sounds’

Artist: From Indian Lakes
Album: Absent Sounds
Label: Triple Crown Records
Genre: Indie

Sometimes bands just do everything right. And the band thrives. And the music is the soundtrack for masses. And the band is proud of their work. And they continue to succeed. That’s what we hope for every single band that we love.

Melodic indie has a weird niche in the music scene. It’s either one of two things. Exactly what I just mentioned, or it’s incredibly bland and just exists for a bit. From Indian Lakes are not that. This band embodies the former example, especially this year. With their huge breakout record, Able Bodies, which got the name From Indian Lakes on the radar of most of the interweb, the band set their own benchmark. This summer, they teased this release and have blown away expectations and set a new one. Along with that, the tours they have been on, have been perfect, and have set the stage for even more success, including the present tour; Relient K’s Mmhmm anniversary tour.

So, the album. Lyrically, it’s so easy to relate to. The lead single, “Sleeping Limbs,” questions life and sorrow in real but totally heavy ways; “What’s the point of this? There’s no point to this,” and “These tired hearts aren’t beating fast enough.” In “Am I Alive” they address loss and recovery in such simple manners with “I hold my hand out to you, but you slip through my fingers, and I need you to reassure me I’m alive.”

The power of these tracks comes from the combination of vocals and instrumentation. One on its own may hold the weight, but the beauty of this band is how perfectly it flows and makes you feel empowered by the audio flooding your brain. The intensity and juxtaposition of up-tempos versus self-reflection and sorrow in songs like “Ghost” are so empowering and magical. It really makes you connect, and honestly feels like a poltergeist has just floated through you, goosebumps and all. The melodies make it so easy to sing along with and you can feel the emotion throughout the whole track.

“Breathe, Desperately” has the exact same feel, and it’s my personal favorite standout track. The song is such a jam, with perfect guitar melodies angled with a fancy acoustic strum and in-your-face drums. The chorus reminds you you’re still alive and gives you a chance for redemption. “Have I become the man that I hated once? Or have my thoughts become clouded by things I used to fear the most?” Such a simple but perfect line.

Other tracks like “Runner” carry a very distinct repetition and set a certain standard, along with having a nasty guitar riff at the end to really add to the edge of the knife that is contextually alive in the lyrics.

I haven’t run out of words, I could continually drown you in what I have to say about this record, but this band’s music really just speaks for itself. I’m proud of this record, I know the band is proud of it, so go listen to it. And then you can tell me I was right; my ego won’t care, but From Indian Lakes would love your support. Passion transcends to the masses, and you’ll hear it in this music, and it will click with you, no matter where you are in life.

SCORE: 9.5/10
Review written by Corey From – Follow him on Twitter

Corey From
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