Tsubasa Lucid‘s concept album Leave Her to Heaven, Leave Him to London chronicles his London years through a unique blend of country, folk, and “graveyard doo-wop.” Drawing heavy inspiration from golden-age cinema, the narrative-driven record explores heartbreak, self-discovery, and transformation.
The album’s opening track, “Rest in Tower Hamlets,” is exemplary of the project’s ability to craft stunning soundscapes — steeped in different eras and moods, through an employment of both samples and timeless compositions. A foreboding initial tone is gradually accompanied by the sound of a train chugging through the night. An elegant string-laden hold appears by midpoint, then shifting to a lovely singing section that invokes the golden age of cinema, in its use of “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” Ensuing track “Pomegranate is Blood” begins with a lusher demeanor, as soft guitar strums and moody twangs evolve into a quivering vocal entrancement. “Leave the sun behind, I won’t be found,” those vocals let out in a rousing finale, which follows further atmospheric songwriting alongside poetic lyrical prowess.
Another standout track, “Angel Bruises” also enamors in its acoustic-driven soundscape and emotive vocals. “I know I left you crying for help,” an especially magnetic sequence propels forth, with ghostly backing vocal harmonies complementing “I heard you calling for my name” heartfelt yearning. Added piano and rhythmic flair help culminate in a poignant send-off. “Centipede Tears” stands out as well, conjuring a sort of throwback country-folk sound in its rising guitar jangling and thematic self-reckoning: “Mirrors scared the shit out of me / Reminding who I am.” Enveloping in its inventive atmospherics and moving folk songwriting alike, Leave Her to Heaven, Leave Him to London is a resonating full-length output from Tsubasa Lucid.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
