There’s a veiled sense of fragility in Lee Switzer-Woolf‘s latest album – a certain intimacy that reflects in the understated character of his vocals, the perfect fit for the kaleidoscopic and at times minimal arrangements. ‘Annihilation Signals’ is a frankly surprising record: picking up the pieces from last year’s debut full-length ‘Scientific Automation Palmistry’, the new album delves into gooey folktronica, blending gentle folk tones with dry electronica and vintage drum machines. The results are wonderful, fully encapsulating Switzer-Woolf’s introspective and intense vocals, never shying away from some heart-shaking poignancy.
Tracks such as ‘I Only Talk To God When I Think I’m Dying’ help in widening the scope of the album, featuring a more indie and spacious guitar tone, with more dark and haunting overtones. That’s perhaps a sign of the artistic growth that seems to have blessed the Reading-based talent, together with the sheer productivity that two long records bring with them.
Lyrically, ‘Annihilation Signals’ explores the complexity of our modern world, drawing a comparison with the paranoia and doubts that used to hamper public society in the 70s. Perhaps we have reached a tipping point, and perhaps this is just a phase. Lee Switzer-Woolf researches the topic with religious rigour – is he the prophet?
Recommended! Discover ‘Annihilation Signals’ on Spotify:
