New York based experimental indie outfit, Earthquake Lights met while studying jazz at college. Their sound is a blending of folk and indie with elements of more outré genres (including jazz, obviously) finding their way into the sound. The first single from their forthcoming sophomore album, ‘Distress Signals’, “The Eight-one” begins with some lo-fi reversed string samples and some low-key keyboards before a shuffling, jazz-inspired rhythm section lopes along languidly (think “Knives Out” era Radiohead). Clean tone guitars pleasantly chime in and the vocals have a nice reverby, lo-fi feel to them. When everything is at its loudest together there is a great atmospheric, even anthemic quality to “The Eight-one”. The production is definitely geared towards the rhythm section, the bass and rhythm guitar taking up most of the listeners attention, though the other elements in the mix sound clear and unclouded. The unusual mix of cleanly produced music with lo-fi vocals gives the sound a DIY edge that enhances the songs qualities.
“The Eight-one” is available to stream now from all the usual locations (Spotify, iTunes etc.). The album, ‘Distress Signals’, is released on April 12th 2019.
This review was written by Tom Ray
With Just A Hint Of Mayhem 
[…] Earthquake Lights hail from New York and are based in Brooklyn. The production, harmonies, and orchestration on their new single “Heartbeat” is sublime. They have been referred to as alt-rock, but on this song alone they are just an awesome band. The emotion in this track is palpable and the sadness, sorrow, and ultimately hope is clear in the gorgeous understated vocals and cinematic feel of the tune. At one point the kick-drum and bass poignantly mimic the sound of a heart murmur. The song is inspired by the loss of a vulnerable family member, who it feels was really, really loved. Singer Myles Rodenhouse says of the track “It’s about that moment before the end – when you know it will end but do not know when exactly.” It is a truly beautiful song on par with Elton John’s “Song For Guy”. The song is dedicated to the Mikel sisters. I love it! The band has appeared on these pages once before, back in March 2019 when we reviewed their song “The Eight-One“. […]
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