Written between Beirut and New England, Kite without a string is the affecting debut album from the folk band John Lebanon. The release blends reflective 12-string melodies with textured alternative rock and electronic incorporations alike, exploring identity, belonging, and how meaning can be found in the people, places, and rituals that help us return to ourselves.
Opening the album, “Hurricane Eyes” emits a warming, jangly guitar frolicking that perfectly frames escalating vocal introspection. “Now I’m haunted, I forget what I know,” the vocals let out, conveying that “the rules all changed, since the moment you quietly came.” The final minute then ushers in a spirited vocal vibrancy, asking “do you remember my name?” amidst perspectives of moving forth in the midst of tumult. The album’s title track arrives next, its “you belong to no one” vocal proclamation melding with twangy, hypnotic guitars and aptly capturing themes of embracing free-spirited independence, tethered to no one.
Another standout track, “Vermontier (dusk edition)” compels as the album’s midpoint, its vibrant 12-string guitar work and “we lived in the moment” lyrical glow exuding themes of personal renewal, with a carpe-diem appeal. It follows up “Maksour” — a lovely track sung in Arabic that expresses the lesson of letting go and remaining true to oneself. “Self made world” excels as well, gorgeously atmospheric in its interplay of twangy guitars and dreamy electronic textures, where references to one’s internal demons are met with a reassuring “beneath the city lights, I’ll be your guide” vocal smoothness. A comforting and melodic full-length success, Kite without a string is abundant in memorable songwriting from John Lebanon.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
