The solo project of Kiwi-born Melbourne (AUS) based artist Rachel Trainor, the new release ‘’ The Way Back Down’’ is described as a journey through our collective unconscious, through realms unknown, the darkness and the light. The stunning debut album teased by several singles is a statement that transcends the simple boundaries and notions of Alternative, folk, and rock.
Using melodies and beautiful uninhibited vocals along with touches of fuzz and dark rock ‘’ The Way Back Down’’ is as uplifting as it is haunting. ‘’Spiral “although the album is closer is a swirling journey based around a repetitive melody that builds into a crescendo that is restrained yet subtlety powerful. It is the conclusion of a journey where darkness has made way to light, the mountain ascended and the view glorious. ’’Third Eye ‘’ on the first listen is fragile yet delves deeper and a hidden strength imbues the creation, the vocals poignant stirring and evocative. The autobiographical ‘’ My Only One’’ with its skilful rhythm sections drives the building anxiety, reflected in the vocals, the clean guitar the perfect accompaniment to the building apprehension of multiple vocal lines. The acoustic elements are a fingerprint on each song, its consciousness and pain giving it voice through some incredibly personal declarations.
The Way Back Down is able to perfectly balance electronica, strings, psychedelia and folk all held together by the clean guitar and the beautiful articulated words. ‘’Lowlight ‘’ is a statement of internal struggle, the electronic percussion an ominous counterpoint to the uncertainty within. An Album that is able to convey moods and emotions evocatively and with ease, each song is a chapter in a book that begs to be read and re-read, listened and enjoyed at all levels. The colours and rays of light that piece the darkest of personal struggles is as beautiful as the turmoil contained within. ‘’ The Way Back Down’’ is a revelation.
Nighteyes: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Sparky
