SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SON LUX – OUT INTO

SON LUX
OUT INTO
THIS IS MERU/CITY SLANG

Son Lux started out in 2007 as a solo project for Ryan Lott, but by 2015 Rafiq Bhatia (guitars) and  Ian Chang (drums) joined the band, which took them in a new direction. The fact that both members contributed to writing new material and co-producing was a clear indication that Son Lux was a trio, not Lott and session players. Since 2015, the band has been met with a great deal of success, including an Academy Award nomination for their soundtrack for Everything Everywhere All At Once. Out Into is their first studio album since last year’s soundtrack for Thunderbolts. Their last studio album was highly acclaimed Tomorrow l-lll.

Out Into is an interesting, indie-rock album with a little bit of pop music. Because it is Son Lux, nothing is straightforward, and while the songs are instantly accessible, they are not just hooks and fluffy lyrics. Out Into is full of personal and interesting songs that take the listener on a journey and into several different musical landscapes. Chang provides a very complex beat structure throughout, allowing Lott to add some very melodic and sometimes quirky keyboards. All in all, the three create wonderful atmospheres throughout the entire album. And, although this is not soundtrack music, sometimes the songs are very visual in their presentation.

Songs, such as “No God Like A King” and “You Could Be The One” provide social commentary about the state of affairs with the current political landscape in the U.S., while other songs offer a more inward glance. “Even If It Hurts,” for example, is a bluesy song about giving oneself to others. Or “Summer’s Gone”, which is experimental in sound and reflects on loss. Lott’s voice is fragile and sets the tone for the song. Then, there are interesting songs, such as the all too short instrumental “Break Bread.”

There is a lot to absorb with Out Into. It is an album full of musical and lyrical depth that requires several listens to fully grasp the meaning of the songs and album. But, again, it is an easy album to enjoy. Out Into is a welcome return to Son Lux’s sound. While their soundtrack albums are brilliant, Out Into allows the band to write and record in their own style and sound. It is alternative but at the same time incredibly melodic.

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