Captivating cadences that console completely
This story begins with a single question: would you dare enter the mind of another human being? Most would jump at the chance, excited to find precious secrets no doubt. However, inside the cerebral cavern of sounds and rhythms, something altogether different would await them: the apparition of a long lost love, the echo of a younger self, the silhouettes of past triumphs—one’s humanity reflected.
Josephine Wiggs invites listeners to a world they may know in her first solo record We Fall. The lifelong musician—best known as the bassist for The Breeders—has enjoyed a decorated career with an extensive discography. For the first time in thirty years as a professional, she displays an intricately spun sonic web of her own. It’s easy to become ensnared by the plethora of rich piano melodies, delicately played acoustic strings and swelling cello adornments. The crawling memories the music summons, on the other hand, are hard to escape.
“37 Words” introduces the album’s reflective theme as piano notes trickle among static sounds that invite culminating drum fills. The title track plunges listeners into a melancholic lake where bright acoustic guitar notes fly upon its surface like fireflies. At the first instance of Josephine’s voice, an all too emotional human connection is made which concludes in reflection. “We fall,” Josephine repeats in the harmonic chants that suggest a collective humanity’s duty to rise and fall as one. “Loveliest of Trees” is highlighted by an elegant drum beat that darts in and out of the song with finesse.
“Afterwards” concludes the album with splendid piano notes and a lucid cello segment that acts as a centerpiece to the song. Wiggs crafts a listening experience that is for the listener and of the listener, both intimate and communal at once. The more one tries to peek into Wiggs’ artistic soul through the music the more that is revealed of them. Memories creep up song after song and linger in the silence that punctuates every musical piece in We Fall. The discovery is of one’s aspirations, fears, regrets and all other emotions that make one human.
Should listeners free their minds to the predominantly instrumental pieces, they can provide a cathartic experience not easily forgotten. Jon Mattock of Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized contributed drums and electronics to the album, and they are highlights. Josephine Wiggs for her part has lived an extraordinary life and continues to reflect that in her work. Each piece in this solo effort and each cadence in it are but an ode to her life’s work. For those who dare to enter the caverns of her mind, a musical haven awaits them—a place where each measure is an end and a beginning, a sonic realm that solaces the mind completely.
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