Exploring the Cosmic Soundscapes of Big Thief’s “Double Infinity”
Adrianne Lenker: The Astrologer of Emotion
Like some ancient astrologer connecting the stars into constellations to tell epic stories of grief and love, Adrianne Lenker traces her memories into songs that define the vast cosmology of Big Thief. Clothespins strewn on the floor commemorate a blossoming friendship, the kind that floods your heart with the warmth of childhood nostalgia. The image of a lover sipping a beer in the yard evokes the complex yearning and resentment one feels for someone who loves carelessly. Through Lenker’s vivid storytelling, Big Thief has pinpointed the emotional core of life’s loftiest questions with unmatched poise and ease. Their music resonates with wisdom, gut-wrenching honesty, and a hint of hope, reminiscent of waking up on New Year’s Day, your mind ablaze with the regrets of the past year and the promise of what’s to come.
Expanding Horizons with “Double Infinity”
On “Double Infinity,” Big Thief are not merely honing their sound; they are expanding it. These songs endeavor to express the purest kind of love, which surely must exist beyond language and human perception. Language, after all, can often serve as a tool of repression and obligation. In the track “Incomprehensible,” Lenker laments how it has been wielded to instill hatred towards our bodies, to instill fear of aging, and to dictate what we think we should feel. Only by shedding prescriptive ways of living in favor of deeper emotions and a more honest commitment to ourselves and others can we experience lasting joy and freedom. This music captures the essence of relinquishing control, pursuing an emotional truth that exists beyond the intellectual realm.
A Transformational Phase in Their Journey
The music on “Double Infinity” was birthed during a particularly rootless and unpredictable phase for the band. Big Thief, previously known for their cohesion as a quartet, faced a seismic shift when founding bassist Max Oleartchik departed. The remaining trio embraced this change, inviting ten musicians, including visionary new age artist Laraaji, to join them for three weeks of recording sessions at the Power Station studio in Manhattan. Shielded from the biting winter cold for nine hours at a time, they improvised around songs developed by the core trio.
The Sound of Wandering Emotion
The resulting psych-folk arrangements are exploratory and iterative. These songs are less focused on narrating a linear story and more inclined to transport listeners into a realm of pure feeling. In “Grandmother,” a celebration of impermanence, Lenker cherishes moments like kissing in a car and standing in a stadium, even as she acknowledges their transience. The song honors the intertwining of love and loss, as the present inevitably slips into the past. Although the chorus might feel somewhat cliché given the weight of the preceding philosophical inquiry—“Gonna turn it all into rock’n’roll”—the song’s poignancy lies in the way its sound ebbs and flows. Lenker’s ethereal voice meanders through a spacey guitar line, warped zither notes, and heartfelt backing vocals. Particularly moving are Laraaji’s wordless vocalizations—deep, rich, and playful—infusing the song with a sense of life akin to the dawn chorus of early morning birds.
The Dichotomy of Words and Emotion
Big Thief’s quest for spiritual freedom unfolds in the real world, necessitating the use of words to explore the limitations of language. This can be a delicate balancing act. At times, their lyrical approach on “Double Infinity”—pulling back and leaving spaces for listeners to fill—proves effective. “Los Angeles” stands out as a poignant reflection on an old relationship rekindled after years apart. Over gentle acoustic guitar, Lenker croons, “Two years feels like forever/But I know you without looking/You call, we come together.” The sparse language evokes an unexplainable connection, as if gravity itself pulls two souls back together. The chorus is enhanced by striking imagery—the half-smile of a lost friend and a great blue ocean that became a balm through the relationship’s decline. It’s a song where the narrative unfolds outside the frame, allowing desire, regret, and love to seep in.
Conclusion
Big Thief’s “Double Infinity” marks a significant evolution in their musical journey, capturing the essence of emotional truth and the complexity of human relationships. Through evocative storytelling and innovative soundscapes, they invite listeners to explore the depths of love, loss, and the beauty of impermanence. As they navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, their music resonates with a profound sense of wisdom and hope, reminding us of the emotional landscapes that connect us all.
FAQs
What themes are explored in Big Thief’s “Double Infinity”?
The album delves into themes of love, loss, impermanence, and the struggle for emotional authenticity, often challenging the limitations of language.
How did the departure of Max Oleartchik affect Big Thief’s sound?
His departure prompted the remaining members to invite new musicians into their creative process, leading to an expansion of their sound through improvisation and collaboration.
What is the significance of the song “Incomprehensible”?
In “Incomprehensible,” Adrianne Lenker critiques how language can repress genuine emotions, advocating for a more honest and liberated expression of self.
How does “Double Infinity” differ from Big Thief’s earlier albums?
This album moves away from strict narrative structures to create more exploratory and emotive soundscapes, allowing listeners to experience music on a deeper emotional level.
What role does collaboration play in the album?
Collaboration with a diverse group of musicians added new dimensions to the band’s sound, fostering a creative environment that encouraged improvisation and experimentation.
