Album Review: Camera Obscura – Look to the East, Look to the West

Camera Obscura’s Look to the East, Look to the West is a testament to the band’s ability to create music with intricate instrumentation and personal lyricism. 

Their latest album, released on May 3, marked the end of a long 10-year musical drought, subsequent to the passing of a crucial and founding band member. This album represents a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution as they embark on a world tour this summer. Now, let’s get into some pieces that have been carefully curated for this album.

The first of 10 tracks, “Liberty Print, ” is a perfect opening for the album with a relaxed and easygoing approach. With emphasis on the drums and other captivating electronic-like sounds, we still see areas of mellowness when the vocals come into play. This track sets the stage for the immersive musical journey this album is able to produce. 

With an emphasis on the guitar, we see traits of country in “Big Love” mixed with a classic upbeat pop rhythm. This track showcases the diversity this band withholds as they dip their toes in multiple genres. Raw emotion and sincerity are felt when listening to the vocals in this song, as it creates a work of art when paired with the depth and texture of the layering of the different instruments. 

Tracks “Look to the East, Look to the West,” “Sleepwalking,” and “Only a Dream” all share a certain commonality. Their piano intros indicate what we can expect from these songs, each one with dynamic storytelling and passion shining through. Just as you find “Look to the East, Look to the West” to be slowing down, it picks right back up with an infectious, feel-good melody. “Only a Dream” brings us another beautiful, tranquil intro, with emphasis on the vocals. This track can be described as a gentle lullaby for the soul, as it whisks the listener away into the night, all while including certain levels of dimension within the album’s emotional journey. Reaching emotional depths and feelings, we have the one and only “Sleepwalking.” The vocal narration of this track truly speaks for itself. 

The band’s ability to exude such compelling yet personal storytelling shows why Camera Obscura’s 10-year hiatus was not only necessary but well worth the wait. Only wishing them the best as they set out on their new chapter.