The Invisible Way is the tenth full-length record from Sub Pop’s favourite child, Low. Produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, The Invisible Way is bound to send the listener on a vacation into the wilderness of their perfect relaxation destination. There is a particular mood that cannot be avoided when these songs are sounded and visions of secluded beaches and zesty lemon trees are at the forefront of mind.
Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk share a co-ed vocal regime providing exciting anonymity at the beginning of each song. Record starter, Plastic Cup does well to capture attention with an archaeological tale of a cup once containing piss, not to be mistaken for tears of a king. A little bit melancholic, a little bit cheerful, Just Make It Stop is the first single from The Invisible Way. Parker takes us on a simple, melodic ride where her soothing vocals take the drivers seat boasting elegant harmonies over a toe-taping tempo of percussion.
Low celebrate an anniversary of double decades in 2013 and as they blend genres of folk and slowcore, distortion is finally introduced towards the end of the record with On My Own. Upbeat chord progressions atop bubbly piano see this song break down with a droney driven rendition of Happy Birthday in half time.
The Invisible Way is a rustic, yet refreshing set of songs from this Minnesotan trio where themes of love and war ring clear. If you listen hard enough, you might just be swallowed by the contagious optimism this record holds.
BY MATT MARASCO
Best Track: On My Own
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: RED HOUSE PAINTERS, BEDHEAD, SMOG
In A Word: Gleeful-gloom
