LIGHTHOUSE

Russian duo IAMTHEMORNING have been around for a handful of years at this point, and appears to build up an increasingly greater audience and name recognition as the years and albums go by at that. At this point, presumably, with a success and reach they couldn't envision attaining when they released their debut album "~" back in 2012. "Lighthouse" is their third full length stdio production, and is set to be released through renowned UK label Kscope in April 2016.

While I'm personally much more prone to enjoy material of a darker general mood and atmosphere, the often light toned, ethereal creations of iamthemorning have charmed me from the first time I encountered their music. Much of it due to the vocals of Marjana Semkina, as I have something of a weak spot for high quality vocalists. There's also the general tendency of this band to incorporate elements from classical music into their compositions that is a feature that sets them apart, first and foremost due to the manner in which they do so.

The thing is, I guess, that the core traits of the compositions of this band is so compelling in the first place. Revolving around the stunning voice of Marjana and the mainly classical music oriented wandering piano motifs of Gleb Kolyadin, the heart and soul of their compositions is so breathtaking in it's simple beauty, and when additional elements are brought into play the end result can be stunning. Sometimes with a relatively simple detail, like the majestic orchestration replacing the piano as the supplemental backing for the vocals, which works great, or when orchestration, delicate violin textures or plucked strings supplement the piano movements to create arrangements one might well describe as classical chamber pop. But also when guest drummer Harrison flavor the proceedings with his elegant, sophisticated yet quirky drum patterns, often in tight interplay with the bass as well as when floating, haunting guitar solo textures are applied the end result tends to be beautiful, even if there are darker undercurrents at hand. The whispered voice effects on the first single from this CD, Chalk & Coal, a detail that doesn't inspire to positive thinking nor come with associations toward someone's happy place, to put it that way.

Like all albums I have encountered by this band so far, "Lighthouse" comes across as a quality production. The blend of controlled, beautiful vocals, various instrument details and arrangements with a clear classical music source of origin and the unobtrusive and elegant inclusion of rock music elements is as compelling as ever. A timeless album of quality music, especially for those with a soft spot for high quality female lead vocals, and one that merits a check also by those intrigued by artists incorporating elements from classical music into a rock music universe in a fairly novel manner - as well as those who find rock music making it's way into more of a classical music oriented context to be interesting.