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The gloomcore heroes are back, and in a big way, with this typically cheerily-titled song, 'Death Masks'. (What better way to start a long bank holiday weekend!)
This song fits right into the vein of Lossline's other releases, but takes things a little further in terms of poetic quality, character and depth of analysis. Musically it feels subtly more advanced, too; a little more layered and nuanced. I've noticed that there's a distinct evolution and step up with every new recording the band releases, and that trend has continued here. I'd also say the vocals are sounding at their best ever.
'Death Masks' is an incredibly well-judged analysis of modern society and the age we're in, something which these guys never fail to get just right. Lyrically, there's a seriously impressive adeptness - the song seems to zoom right in and pick out small details which resonate way beyond their size. The song muses on micro-points of life, and this in turn seems to shine a light on some bigger, more overwhelming issues.
Take the chorus, for example:
"And we sleep, with our death Masks pulled tight over our eyes.
And we sleep with white noise because our thoughts are too loud
And we sleep next to our phone's cos we just can't switch off anything, anytime for anyone."
The overall feel of this track is a kind of unsettling clamour, a busyness trending towards chaos, but staying just about in check. Everything contributes to that feel: the almost frantic drums, more rhythmic piano chords, a bubbling bass line, and layered vocals which include a trademark chanted element.
Underneath the first chorus, there's an echoey lead guitar, which has a very metallic quality. That guitar re-emerges in the form of a solo before the second chorus, so drenched in reverb you feel like you have to wade through dusky air to find it. Later, the guitar hangs around, becoming even more metallic, perhaps turning into a kind of warning siren. That's the kind of touch Lossline excel at; carefully thought out metaphorical elements which bring something extra to every song.
Here's another: as that first chorus ends, listen carefully to how the bass line develops into something imperceptibly pulsing, like a heartbeat.
Invest the time. It's 5 minutes long. And you know what? The fact that looking for a 5-minute space in our lives to listen to a song seems so difficult really says it all. The state we're all in right now absolutely justifies 'Death Masks' and all it contains.
Lossline: you've nailed it again. Thank you.
I hear the city cry and moan beneath a dimming nervous sky
Whilst the pavements carry trouble to the agitated lights
Of the sleepless bars and aching towers glowing in the night
And there's people left alone by the side of the road and it doesn't feel right.
'Death Masks' was released on Bandcamp on 31st May and on Spotify (and other streaming services) on 4th June - you can listen below