Los Angeles based SPELLES is composed of singer/songwriter Kathryn Baar and multi-instrumentalist Luc Laurent. First sharing music in 2014, the duo broke out with “Bird in a Cage” which garnered success being placed on the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars. Since then, the twosome have carved a niche for themselves and their music with their haunting, dark soulful pop releases. After years of singles and EP releases, SPELLES has finally shared their highly anticipated album Diving Into the Arms of the Divine and it is well worth the wait.
The album begins with the musical interlude "Intro (The Abyss)", a short cinematic sonic embrace. The instrumental is mystical and captivating and the perfect first taste of the album to come. Then there is "Night Terrors", a ferocious pop rock track oozing with intensity. The song discusses the fears and difficulties that keep us up at night. Kathryn sings, "What haunts you the most / My unlived life," asking herself and others what they still need to and want to achieve and experience in this fleeting lifetime.
With "Holy Hells", Kathryn's insane vocal prowess are on full display. Her voice is soulful, spiritual and warm, inviting the listener in with every note. The haunting soundscapes of the single include steady drum beats and pitch black basslines. Layered gospel influenced melodies help describe the song's meaning of personal transformation and confident determination. She sings, “It was the highs that saved me, lows they made me," knowing very well she learned more from her failures than her successes. While in "Beginnings and Endings", SPELLES create a classical infused dreamy musical envelopment. Soaring melodies, emotional bright piano chords and lush angelic like sonics are highlighted. The song is a deep existencial one with the band asking important questions such as what is the meaning of life?
The album's focus track is "Double Life", a song that the band suggest listening to on an evening drive. Penetrating organ, crisp drums and seductive vocals create an intoxicating sonic whirlwind. Lyrics including, "Fake it till you feel it, but don't lose your spirit / Living this double life, I'm getting so tired", show just how exhausting it is to hide the parts of you that are true and real and how living two lives is not healthy emotionally or spiritually. The album wraps up with "Paradise" a soul-stirring and evocative song all about hope and transcendence. Cinematic string arrangements underlay deep piano chords and a sky high chorus taking the listener to new heights.
Diving Into the Arms of the Divine is one of my favorite albums of the year. The eleven track masterpiece blends a variety of genres including soul, pop, rock, blues, classical and gospel while simultaneously sparking a philosophical awakening in the listener. Kathryn states that the album was influenced by "a sense of wonder over darkness" and it is certainly felt.
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