Review
Weyes Blood beckons us into a dream with "And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow," a rich tapestry woven with threads of chamber pop, indie dreams, and the earthy whispers of folk rock. Released on November 18, 2022, this album immerses listeners in the swirling mists of Natalie Mering's—otherwise known as Weyes Blood—evolving trilogy. As the world descends into chaos, her expressive voice rises, casting an ethereal glow amidst the shadows. It feels as if we’re standing at the edge of a vast, melodic ocean, waves of meticulously layered production flowing in rhythmic undulations. Contributions from Jonathan Rado, Ben Babbitt, and Rodaidh McDonald add layers to this sonic sculpt, creating panoramic landscapes of emotion with the artful sweep of sounds.
This album exists where personal reflection winds gracefully with universal themes, gazing at love’s light and seeking meaning amid modern turmoil. Songs like "It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody" vibrate with Mering's intimate storytelling grace, while "Grapevine" spills raw emotion, blossoming from her split from a narcissistic tune-maker during pandemic hushes. Each track unfurls like a lonesome flower reaching for sunlight on rugged fields—especially "God Turn Me into a Flower" and "Hearts Aglow", where the fusion of lyrical depth and auditory allure shimmers.
Critics and fans embraced this celestial body of work, propelling it onto the U.S. Billboard 200 and winning hearts across oceans, from New Zealand to the UK. "And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow" is an intricate and poetic bridge to the heart's deepest whispers, a vessel filled with resilience resonating across an ever-unfolding narrative. It's a hypnotic dance of introspection and discovery, echoing the resilient pulse of Weyes Blood's artistic evolution. - Calista