Home / Arts and Entertainment / Aldous Harding's 'Train on the Island': Weird Lyrics, Great Melodies
Aldous Harding's 'Train on the Island': Weird Lyrics, Great Melodies
7 May
Summary
- Aldous Harding's fifth album features enigmatic lyrics about owls and consuming rocks.
- The album, produced by John Parish, showcases melodic songwriting and psychedelic folk.
- Despite lyrical oddities, the music is praised for its tight composition and pleasant melodies.
Aldous Harding's fifth album, 'Train on the Island,' presents a compelling dichotomy between its peculiar lyrical content and its undeniable musical prowess.
The album invites listeners to interpret cryptic lyrics, which include references to naked owls, consuming rocks, and surreal imagery. This unusual lyrical approach, coupled with Harding's distinctive vocal tics and mannered delivery, creates a divisive artistic persona.
Despite the potential for perceived contrivance, 'Train on the Island' is critically acclaimed for its skillful songwriting. Produced by John Parish, the record maintains a warm, softly psychedelic folk sound, reminiscent of its predecessors.
The album's strength lies in its tightly written, compact songs that offer stimulating contrasts. Even longer tracks never become indulgent, providing listeners with lovely melodies and subtle yet engaging musicality.
Harding's music offers a space to linger, with songs like 'Coats' and 'Venus in the Zinnia' highlighting her melodic gifts. The album proves that even for skeptics, the inherent quality of the songwriting can be persuasive.
