Act 3 Love Will Ruin

 

 

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Fans of Neverending White Lights will know that Daniel Victor had a lot of problems while he was recording this album. Initially, it was rumoured that he had written some seventy-odd songs, began recording them, and then ruptured his vocal cords. When his voice was healed, he started fresh. What you see before you is a compilation of eleven songs that he deemed worthy to put out, but as he had written so many songs, he decided to make this album part one, with part two to be released next year (with any luck).

The product we get after four long years of waiting is nothing less than wholly satisfactory. It is everything we've come to expect in terms of quality, but even more in terms of content. Aptly titled 'Love Will Ruin', this album explores the foundations of different kinds of love and relationships people experience throughout their lives, from the sour to the fulfilling. It's also the first album where we've heard Daniel himself singing on the majority of the songs.

Track #1: 'Theme for Love Will Ruin' - The first song is entirely instrumental (no lyrics) and can only be described as hauntingly beautiful. I can't tell you the amount of times I've heard it, and it still gives me goosebumps.

Track #2: 'Falling Apart' (featuring Bed of Stars) - This was the first single to have a video release several months ago. Comparatively, it's darker and heavier both in theme and instrumentation than the rest of the album. This is also the first of three songs total featuring Evan Konrad from Bed of Stars, and if you get the chance, I highly recommend you look up his music. He is a true talent.

Track #3: 'Starlight' (featuring Todd Clark from Pilot Speed) - The lyrics are very wistful and relatable, and the song itself is very radio-friendly. There's really no other way to describe it than 'pretty'.

Track #4: 'Say Hi for Me' - Easily one of my favourites. If you're not listening closely, it may sound quite simple, but the meaning behind the song is incredibly touching and has, admittedly, brought a tear to my eye on occasion.

Track #5: 'Goodbye' - This song is fairly self-explanatory, I would think. It's a very quiet track, and Daniel Victor's vocals are pitch-perfect.

Track #6: 'The Game Needed Me' - Now, this is just my opinion, but I actually hear some Jakalope in this song. It has a definite alt/techno vibe to it, something very reminiscent of certain songs from the 'It Dreams' album. I say that in the best way possible. It's incredibly catchy, and it breaks up the more subdued elements of the other songs. The meaning behind it may be a bit harder to decipher than the rest.

Track #7: 'The Lonely War' (featuring Bed of Stars) - Another one of my favourites, and again, I'm not afraid to admit this one made me shed a tear as well. Before 'Falling Apart' was released as an official single, Daniel Victor released this song onto the internet as a teaser for fans. The intense clarity of Evan Konrad's vocals is amazing and hits you straight to your core.

Track #8: 'Ghost Ship' (featuring Steve Bays/Hot Hot Heat) - The current single from the album, this song sets itself apart from the others if only for the fact that Steve Bays' voice gives everything such a distinctive feel. This is a very intriguing song on many levels.

Track #9: 'The Waltz' - If other songs are favourites based on lyrical content, this is probably my favourite on an instrumental level. There's a great mix of string elements accompanying Daniel Victor's gripping storytelling.

Track #10: 'The Greatest One' - Many people have complaints about this song. After about three and a half minutes or so, some high-pitched electronic vocals chime in, and for some, it becomes a huge distraction from the rest of the song -- a complete turn-off for others. While it did catch me off guard the first time I heard it, for me personally, it doesn't detract from anything.

Track #11: 'Hereafter' (featuring Bed of Stars) - This epic song lasts over eight minutes, the longest on the album. Evan Konrad once again impresses with his vocal prowess, showing off his range in different keys with ease. Daniel Victor has inferred that the ending of this song is the lead-in for part two.

There is not a single song on this album that I didn't like; I never skip through any of them. Some of them will resonate on a more personal level with some individuals than others, but like the previous two offerings, there is something for everyone.

One can only anticipate that 'Act III: Part II' will continue Neverending White Lights' flawless run.

*****/*****

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