The Unique Melodies of Closed For Chapel's "Either Reality": A Comprehensive Album Review
Closed For Chapel's debut album, "Either Reality", is unique and at times a strikingly beautiful work of art. Equal parts ethereal and dark, the album is a journey through the psyche that is sure to leave the listener both mesmerized and introspective. With its complex and emotionally charged lyrics, driving melodies, and innovative production, "Either Reality" is an album that is sure to stand the test of time. Join me as I take a comprehensive look at this groundbreaking work of art.
As I mentioned before, Closed For Chapel’s "Either Reality" is a unique album and unlike anything else in the music industry today. Their sound is a mix of various genres, including 60's psychedelic rock, synth pop, folk, and even classical. The lyrics are poetic and often dark, but with a lightheartedness to them that helps drive home their message. These lyrics range from existential anguish and anxiety to more optimistic songs that speak to the joy of life. The production is also extremely unique on the album. The band uses a mix of traditional instruments and synthesizers to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The drums and bass are often distorted, lending a gritty edge to the music. The guitars vary from clean-cut electric to fuzzed-out distorted wavy tones which are used to provide sudden spikes of intensity during choruses and breaks. The production really brings the songs to life and helps to create a mesmerizing and ethereal experience, which is what makes this album stand out so much.
Closed For Chapel’s "Either Reality" stands out from other albums because of its unique sound. The band has successfully blended a variety of musical genres, seamlessly transitioning between musical styles and creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The production of the album also contributes to its uniqueness. It has a raw and gritty edge that gives it an almost visceral quality, while the use of traditional instruments and synthesizers creates a captivating atmosphere. Finally, the lyrics are an integral part of the album and are especially noteworthy. They are often dark and haunting, but also carry with them a message of hope and optimism. These lyrical themes add even more depth to the music and help to create a unique and powerful experience. The songs are about things unearthly and out of this world. They take the listener to places beyond imagination.
The unique vocal style of Closed For Chapel’s “Either Reality” plays a major role in setting it apart from other albums. The two vocalists' raspy and soulful deliveries are captivating and the wide range of styles they employ throughout the album adds even more depth to the music. From the traditional number “Swingset” to the intense rock-influenced “Lavendar Eyes”, Closed For Chapel’s vocalists are able to adapt their styles to perfectly fit each song. The band’s harmonies and background vocals also deserve praise for their distinctively vintage sound. Throughout the album, the harmonies are carefully layered, creating a dreamlike atmosphere and helping to emphasize the lyrics. The vocalist’s unique delivery combined with the rest of the band’s harmonies creates an otherworldly sound which adds an extra layer of emotion and beauty to the album. The instrumentals on the album range from minimalistic to complex and all of them compliment the vocalists perfectly. Each song has an instantly recognizable theme and the instrumentals are imaginative and creative. From toe tapping pop songs to heart wrenching ballads, the instrumentals on the album always stay true to the emotion of each song. The totally instrumental song “For Her (Whoever She May Be)” is one of the most impressive qualities of the album and helps to make it a truly special listening experience.
The one thing that ties all of the songs on Closed For Chapel's “Either Reality” together is the overarching message within the album. Each song is its own journey exploring different messages and ideas within the lyrics, but themes such as love, loss, and the existential come up again and again throughout the course of the album. The unifying aspects of the album come in the form of the central themes that tie each song together. While it is up to the listener to interpret the lyrics in each track, the themes throughout the album are easy to spot. It is clear that Closed For Chapel are trying to convey a message of hope in the face of adversity and ultimately, the power of overcoming and growing from difficult times. The instrumentals, production, and vocal performances of “Either Reality” all come together to create an extraordinary listening experience, but it is the unifying message throughout the album that really makes it stand out. Through exploration, prayer, and a sense of optimism, Closed For Chapel have crafted a unique collection of tracks that not only entertain and move but also contain an important message.
Closed For Chapel’s “Either Reality” is an album that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener. Through its unique blend of genres, unifying themes of loss, love and the existential, and engaging instrumentals and vocal performances, Closed For Chapel has created an incredible and intimate listening experience that will remain with the listener long after the album is finished. This album is an exploration in sound and composition and portrays a journey that is both optimistic and melancholic at the same time. Whether you are a longtime fan of Closed For Chapel or you have never heard their music before, “Either Reality” is an album that will take you on an emotional journey and leave you in awe.
Article by Harrison McKay, The Album Review
November 9, 2022
