Until the Colours Run
With a bruised sort of heroism, Lanterns on the Lake defy the darkness on their sophomore album, *Until the Colours Run*. The British trio survived the loss of two founding members to craft a work that noticeably expands their sonic horizons. Lead singer Hazel Wilde shows increased confidence; this album brings out both the melancholy and defiance embedded in her lyrics. The album’s arrangements combine a soundtrack-like spaciousness (evident in the rumbling feedback intro to “Elodie” and the luminous piano/string setting of “Picture Show”) with ethereal folk-pop textures reminiscent of The Sundays and Cocteau Twins (most apparent on the swooning “You Soon Learn”). “The Buffalo Days” is notable for its volatile mix of electric and acoustic sounds, reflecting the fission of emotions running through the track. Wilde and her comrades use these bracing sonic settings to do more than muse about private concerns. “Another Tale from Another English Town” is a particularly scathing commentary on modern Britain.
UK indie rockers Lanterns on the Lake’s second album Until the Colours Run is borne of loss, turmoil, and doubt on every level. The group expresses faded glory and missed opportunities while exhibiting potential with many rich sounds and potent concepts.
After a torrid two years, Lanterns on the Lake return with a surprisingly assured second album.
After the release of their wonderful 2011 debut, Gracious Tide, Take Me Home, Lanterns on the Lake dropped off the radar as personal and financial strife took over.
Bella Union, the record label on which Lanterns on the Lake's sophomore album Until the Colours Run is released, is run by Simon Raymonde, formerly of dreampop pioneers Cocteau Twins.
Review Of New 'Lanterns On The Lake' Album "Until The Colours Run", out January 14th on Bella Union. Lanterns On The Lake play January 15th in Brussels.
Newcastle’s Lanterns on the Lake have quietly gone about the business of perfecting their mood music. Each time they surface, their music gains another level of intensity and assumes a greater focus. This progress suggests their second album, Until the Colours Run, won’t be the culmination of their journey, but it does take them to a stage where they could extend their audience to any size they wish.