Fourteen Nights At Sea continue the tradition of instrumental mood music that holds together whilst suggesting it could easily fray at the seams at any point. Australia has a long and distinguished history of this type of musical endeavour, dating back to Makers Of The Dead Travel Fast and the raft of minuscule cassette-only releases that bedroom composers would release to document their product.
Lately, this lineage has continued through the likes of The Dirty Three, Because Of Ghosts and the ilk. However, don’t expect short sharp bursts of energy from Minor Light’s five lengthy compositions. Also, don’t expect a warm and fuzzy inner glow to result from listening to this record.
The cover image is a bleak and foggy road, setting you up for the journey FNAS want to take you on. The band have developed this approach throughout their previous two releases and could well be heading for the crossroads of Sigur Ros and Mogwai. Throw in the likes of God Is An Astronaut, Jakob and Silver Mt. Zion and you are well on your way.
Patience is required as they ply a wide dynamic with the utmost care. Even the slightest detail is a parallel accentuation of loneliness and isolation. FNAS exact an emotional catharsis with almost paternal care. This allows your mind wander wherever it takes you. It’s a journey well worth embarking on, intricate in detail and elaborate in the musique concrete, chamber music manner.
BY BRONIUS ZUMERIS
