"Newman often seems to be reciting his lyrics, even incanting them, reverent and repetitive. They have the inescapable rhythms of penance."
"In fact, that's exactly what he seems to be on the LP's first single, 'Votive,' which comes on like a dystopian sequel to The Joshua Tree where the streets all have unspeakable names."
"'Hands are cupped around a match/I'm just trying to keep the lights on/With the martyrs, in the tombs/With the saints.'"
"The meritoriously Stones y ballad 'Calligraphy' has a grand, killer groove and lets in some temporary air-trees 'bending with the wind.'"
The Former Site Of presents a confessional tone, with Newman expressing tentative doubt and aggression. The album features lyrics that evoke a sense of penance and introspection. Songs like 'Spooky Action' and 'Votive' explore themes of renewal through oblivion and the struggle to maintain faith. The absence of collaborator Bejar is notable, as his presence could have added depth to the narrative. Overall, the album captures a complex emotional landscape, blending melancholy with moments of hope and reflection.
Read at Pitchfork
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