The Surreal Orange Sky: A Climate Warning from New York

June 7, 2023: An Unforgettable Day

On June 7, 2023, residents of New York were met with an astonishing sight: an orange sky engulfed in thick, acrid smoke. The air was laden with the scent of wildfires that had drifted south from Canada, creating a surreal atmosphere that left millions gazing upward in disbelief. For many on the East Coast, this experience was a stark reminder of climate change, more alarming than the warm temperatures of November but not as immediately threatening as a raging fire on their doorstep. Despite the unsettling visuals, life continued in an almost ordinary manner.

“Something in the Air”: The Antlers’ Reflection

Amidst this environmental chaos, the Antlers released “Something in the Air,” the second single from their latest album, Blight. This track encapsulates the eerie mood of that day, although it reflects a more mundane perspective rather than confronting the gravity of the situation. Peter Silberman, the band’s frontman, sings in a hauntingly high voice, urging listeners to stay indoors and charge their phones, while the overwhelming reality outside is barely acknowledged.

Musical Mourning and Collective Grief

The Antlers have built a reputation for their poignant exploration of sorrow and grief. Songs like “Shiva,” “Wake,” and “Putting the Dog to Sleep” exemplify their knack for addressing heavy emotions. Yet, with Blight, Silberman shifts his focus from personal loss to a broader, societal mourning—what has been termed “eco-grief.” This transition marks a significant evolution in their artistry, as they delve into the collective anxiety surrounding the climate crisis.

Thematic Exploration in Blight

Comprising nine tracks, Blight serves as a musical meditation on environmental issues, capturing feelings of dread related to pollution in songs like “Pour” and “Calamity,” and the pervasive complacency reflected in “Consider the Source.” The album also addresses the looming threat of ecological disaster in tracks such as “A Great Flood.” However, the slow and sorrowful nature of the music rarely instills the urgency that the climate crisis demands, nor does it evoke the emotional catharsis that characterized Silberman’s earlier works.

Conclusion

The orange sky of June 7, 2023, was more than just a visual anomaly; it served as a stark reminder of the pressing environmental issues we face today. Through their latest album, the Antlers attempt to articulate this collective eco-grief, but the subdued nature of their music raises questions about how effectively they can convey the urgency of climate change. As we grapple with these realities, it becomes increasingly important to engage with the emotional weight of our environmental crises and find ways to respond.

FAQs

What caused the orange sky over New York on June 7, 2023?

The orange sky was caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada drifting southward, affecting air quality and visibility in New York.

What is eco-grief?

Eco-grief refers to the collective grief and anxiety experienced by individuals and communities in response to environmental degradation and climate change.

What themes does the Antlers’ album Blight explore?

Blight explores themes of pollution, complacency, and the looming threat of ecological catastrophe, reflecting on the emotional impact of climate change.

How does “Something in the Air” differ from the Antlers’ previous work?

“Something in the Air” reflects a more mundane perspective on environmental crises, contrasting with the deeply personal and emotional themes found in the Antlers’ earlier music.

What is the overall tone of the album Blight?

The tone of Blight is slow and sorrowful, capturing the weight of eco-grief, though it may lack the urgency typically associated with discussions around climate change.