Eloquent yet mysterious. Melodic yet filled with emotional tension. This is how I would describe the latest endeavor from U.K. alt-dreampop artists Lights That Change. The video is every bit as evoking as the song. This is a mind-trip through the mind of a genius during R.E.M. sleep. At once daunting and provocative, “Starlight” is the definition of dazzling.
“Starlight was released on October 30th via Raphalite Records.
@lightsthatchang [rotatingtweets screen_name=’lightsthatchang’]
About Lights That Change:
Lights That Change is back with their new single ‘Starlight’, which features drum programming by Malcolm Holmes of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and is mastered by Ummagma, and an accompanying video that is equally stunning.
Lights That Change is an alternative dreampop outfit, hailing from North Wales and headed by producer Marc Joy. They released their debut EP ‘Rainbow On Your Shoulder’ in 2013, followed by ‘Whispers in February’. Their single ‘Voices’ came out in May of this year on Raphalite Records to critical acclaim.
They have received notable support from BBC, Tom Robinson, Impose Magazine, Drowned in Sound and Amazing Radio, among others. According to Wales Online, Lights That Change are “among the finest Welsh music makers.. weaving an evocative nu-gaze tapestry, which recalls the otherworldliness of The Cocteau Twins and 4AD’s 80s roster”.
Over the past year, Lights That Change have undergone a reformation, with Mandy Clare on vocals, John Bryan on bass and Marc Joy on guitars. They plan to release their debut album ‘Byzantium’ in early 2016 via UK-Canadian label Raphalite Records. Like their first single ‘Voices’, the LP will feature guest vocals by Rebecca Palin (Golden Fable) and drums by Malcolm Holmes (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark).
Like the previous single, ‘Starlight’ is chalked full of ethereal wave magic, but with an optimistic lilt and overarching sound reminiscent of The Sundays. Vocalist Mandy Clare delivers mesmerizing vocals amidst a flurry of encapulating pop guitar patterns with a highly positive energy and calming effect.
“I put the lyrics and melody to Marc’s instrumental track after a late night out in a salsa club. It is mostly about the role that being led by a good dance Lead (even a stranger) can play in filling a void and in healing. It also has something to say about hesitation and whether to follow a strong intuitive ‘pull’ that runs against the grain,” explains vocalist Mandy Clare. “I love the song. There is something sad but also a comforting rhythmic lull about it.”
The video, created by Jason Sheppard, features Mandy Clare in pure white, dancing in dark forested surroundings. She is equally visually captivating here as well.
“I know we’ve had a few releases now so we wanted to take the opportunity to set our image with this release and be more involved with the imagery with the music, and a chance for Mandy to express her other interests,” says Marc Joy.
“A truly beautiful slow burning slice of dreamy bright pop” – Louder Than War
“A radiosexy reinvigoration of early 4AD spirit” – Joe Foster (Creation Records)
“Sublime slice of dream-pop inspired heaven” – Primal Music Blog
“Stunning and haunting…outstanding showmanship and seductive melody” – The Sound of Confusion
“Channeling the spirit of Dead Can Dance and the Cocteau Twins, it sounds like a long lost relic from the 4AD archives, yet at the same time distinctly current too” – Drowned in Sound
LINKS:
http://www.lightsthatchange.com/
http://www.facebook.com/lightsthatchange
http://lightsthatchange.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/lightsthatchang
http://soundcloud.com/lightsthatchange
