Experimental Album of the Month: Tragic Magic by Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore
A sense of musical telepathy is palpable in the latest collaborative effort from Los Angeles-based composers Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore. Tragic Magic, born out of a series of improv sessions in Paris, is a wonderfully immersive set of new age and ambient tracks that showcase the duo's harmonious chemistry.
The album is deeply personal, reflecting on the emotional resonance of their own experiences, including the California wildfires they endured as residents. The dreamy haze of these compositions is pierced by moments of quiet desperation, hope, and tragedy. Opener Perpetual Adoration sets a soothing tone with its delicate harp loop and hushed whispers, while Haze With No Haze conveys a sense of yearning through brittle, staccato melody.
Barwick's enigmatic lyrics remain indistinguishable from the texture and shapeless whispers that fill the tracks. Yet, their emotional impact is undeniable, imbuing even the sparest moments with grandeur and cinematic scope. Lattimore's harp takes center stage in these compositions, often bursting into effervescent flourishes or subtle celestial twinkles.
The duo expertly navigate sonic extremes, veering between intimate intimacy and expansive atmospheres. Tracks like Stardust showcase their ability to craft pop sensibilities amidst murkiness, only to strip it all back for the poignant closer Melted Moon. This contrast underscores the album's unique blend of emotional vulnerability and cinematic scope.
In a month filled with diverse releases, Tragic Magic stands out as a hauntingly beautiful exploration of sound and emotion. The synergy between Barwick and Lattimore creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the music fades.
A sense of musical telepathy is palpable in the latest collaborative effort from Los Angeles-based composers Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore. Tragic Magic, born out of a series of improv sessions in Paris, is a wonderfully immersive set of new age and ambient tracks that showcase the duo's harmonious chemistry.
The album is deeply personal, reflecting on the emotional resonance of their own experiences, including the California wildfires they endured as residents. The dreamy haze of these compositions is pierced by moments of quiet desperation, hope, and tragedy. Opener Perpetual Adoration sets a soothing tone with its delicate harp loop and hushed whispers, while Haze With No Haze conveys a sense of yearning through brittle, staccato melody.
Barwick's enigmatic lyrics remain indistinguishable from the texture and shapeless whispers that fill the tracks. Yet, their emotional impact is undeniable, imbuing even the sparest moments with grandeur and cinematic scope. Lattimore's harp takes center stage in these compositions, often bursting into effervescent flourishes or subtle celestial twinkles.
The duo expertly navigate sonic extremes, veering between intimate intimacy and expansive atmospheres. Tracks like Stardust showcase their ability to craft pop sensibilities amidst murkiness, only to strip it all back for the poignant closer Melted Moon. This contrast underscores the album's unique blend of emotional vulnerability and cinematic scope.
In a month filled with diverse releases, Tragic Magic stands out as a hauntingly beautiful exploration of sound and emotion. The synergy between Barwick and Lattimore creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the music fades.
it's like they're speaking directly to my soul!!! the way they weave their emotions into these ethereal tracks is just masterful, every note is so perfectly crafted 
i'm especially loving the contrast between intimate and expansive moments, it's like they're taking you on this emotional rollercoaster 
. I mean, think about it, Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore are using their music as therapy for their own trauma, and it's working! They're not afraid to get vulnerable, just like how we need to confront our own issues head-on. And that's what this album is all about - a powerful exploration of the human experience 
. It's like they're saying, "Hey, life can be tragic, but music can be magic too" 
. I'm all for that kind of storytelling in music. The fact that they're not afraid to get weird and experimental with their sound is also refreshing. It's like a breath of fresh air in an industry that's often stuck in its ways 
. Anyway, I think Tragic Magic is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability and sonic experimentation - can't wait to see what other magic they come up with next! 
️
. And Julianna's lyrics... man, she has this way of speaking directly to your soul without even saying anything out loud 
. It's like they're tapping into this collective human experience and creating something truly magical 
I'm totally blown away by this album, it's like they're speaking directly to your soul 
. The way they weave together these ethereal soundscapes is pure magic 
. This album is not only beautiful but also deeply relatable, which is why it's going to resonate with so many people 
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. The way they blend these ambient & new age vibes with some pop sensibilities is pure magic 
Barwick's vocals are like whispers from another world, and Lattimore's harp work is simply breathtaking 
. Give it a listen! #TragicMagic #JuliannaBarwick #MaryLattimore #NewAgeVibes #MusicToMyEyes 
. But for real, I love how personal it is - it's not just some fancy production; it's honest. Barwick & Lattimore are speaking straight to your soul, even if you don't realize it till later 
.
. The harshest parts hit me hard 'cause I feel like I'm experiencing it all myself - hope, desperation, longing... it's a wild ride 
.
, 'cause if you're closed off, you'll miss the magic 
... it's like everyone's suddenly into being all mystical and poetic with their music 
. don't get me wrong, juliana barwick and mary latimore are talented or whatever, but is it really that deep? 
i mean, it just sounds like they took some ambient sounds and harmonies and strung them together... not to say that's a bad thing, cuz it's definitely calming to listen to 
. They're always chipping away at our civil liberties, like they think we need some sort of musical censorship board 
. I mean, what's next? Banning albums because they spark emotions or challenge societal norms?
. The way Barwick and Lattimore blend their sounds is pure magic 
️. It shows us that even in times of uncertainty, creativity can thrive when we give ourselves permission to take risks. We need more of that kind of thinking in our government, don't you think? 
. I mean, have you listened to Stardust yet? That melody just gets stuck in your head and takes you on a wild ride. And Julianna Barwick's lyrics... I love how they're not always straightforward, it's like she's speaking directly to your soul. The way Mary Lattimore's harp takes center stage is just magical