Midnight Machines: An acoustic remake has never sounded so good
Canadian singer and songwriter Lights gave fans an exciting announcement to look forward to last month; a complete acoustic remake of her 2014 album, Little Machines. Known for her Ellie-Goulding like style, Lights has released hit electro-pop numbers such as “Toes” and “Ice” but has recently been experimenting with lighter mellow sounds. And now with its release, Midnight Machines proves to be quite the musical sensation perfect for rainy days under covers.
Midnight Machines is eight-track acoustic album, which contains six of her previous songs from Little Machines along with two new track additions. At first listen, even fans familiar with her work may actually not be able to recognize her songs; that is how skillfully remade this album is. Midnight Machines has created a completely different and new atmosphere to her songs, making even her familiar tunes unrecognizable.
“Up We Go” and “Same Sea,” both well-known numbers, are completely different from the originals. “Up We Go” begins off with a light guitar strumming accompanied by a steady drumbeat, setting the album up for a lighthearted mood. “Same Sea” starts off in a gloomy manner with piano chords playing with a deep vibrato violin. As the song progresses, the melody is greatly complemented by the string instruments uplifting the mood of the song. “Meteorites” has a folk touch to it, and has been recreated into something lighter than the original. “Running With The Boys” has a Colbie Caillat intro, and is the complete opposite of the original that has more of the Paramore-rock guitar touches. Instead with the added chorus and acoustic guitar in the background, it comes off more of playful and bubbly number.
The two new tracks, “Follow You Down” and “Head Cold” prove Lights capability in expanding her music styles and pulling off the acoustic sound. “Follow You Down,” sounds much like a female version of Death Cab For A Cutie’s “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” perhaps it is the similarity in the guitar strumming’s. The ringing chorus of “Head Cold” leaves the listener in nostalgic limbo, perhaps a good number for when listening alone.
Midnight Machines is such a well thought-out and satisfying acoustic album, that it might be hard to find another artist who has mastered a remake like this. It might be fun to compare and listen to the two versions of her songs from the two albums depending on the mood of the hour. However, it might be best to enjoy this album in its entirety first before doing any comparing; ideally on a rainy day with a cup of tea cuddled up under the covers.
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