The power that song gives to emotion is unmatched. What an artist can convey in song is uniquely powerful and can inspire the listener to feel the same as the vocals combined with the instrumentals to create its’ unique feel. That powerful passion is in every track on “A Thousand Times Brighter,” the latest release by the Black Dog String Quartet. From the very start, the album proudly shows off its unique and sophisticated charm with the first track, “All The Pretty Horses.”
“All The Pretty Horses” begins with violins that create an enticing air of mystery. The alluring melody of the intro ends by making way for the vocals, which are propped up by contemplative string plucks that allows the vocals to shine. The vocal performance is elegant with a soft touch that’s instantly felt when Naomi Kavka sings “go to sleep my little baby.” The deep humming of the cello that follows cradles the rest of the instrumental, allowing the track to swell up once again with beautiful violin melodies before the mood changes to a much busier one around the 3 minute mark. This change up creates an air of hurried panic, as if being pursued and allows the vocal track to take on a new aesthetic to match the atmosphere. Kavka’s vocals become much more powerful and unrestrained, allowing her voice to command the track that creates an incredibly memorable experience right from the start.
This energy carries on into the next track, “Two,” which immediately begins with the hurried violins leading you into a track that bounces to life in just a few moments. The bass bounces with the percussion to deliver a pulse that’s easy to follow. When the vocals kick in, the track takes on a new dimension and kicks the track into overdrive. This is felt the most around the 1:30 mark when vocalist John Kastelic explodes with “I’m on fire, inexhaustible and you’re a star to light my way” and also highlights one of the most memorable moments of this beautiful and energetic love song. Other lines such as “I met my love out wandering one day, she said ‘won’t you come and walk with me away?’” and solidifies the tenderness of the track. “Two” is an incredible love song whose heartfelt emotions explode out of the track to create a listening experience that will always leave you smiling.
“Dizzying View” is another stand-out favorite. The contemplative intro develops its curious atmosphere quickly and immerses you in it before the vocals make their entrance. When Kavka’s vocals hit the track, they’re positively enchanting along with the charming vocals of Chelsea Rose. Her jazzy, powerful aesthetic melds well with the playfully curious aesthetic of the instrumental. This makes it easy to get the earworm of a chorus stuck in your head as it bounces along with the percussion and rises to the occasion of the swelling instrumentals of the outro. Lines such as “my window is a mirror, stare me right in the eye and though I cannot see them, the stars fill the sky. I know that you are floating out there holding a light” illustrate the lyrical power perfectly and gives this track its unmatched memorable quality.
“A Thousand Times Brighter” is a beautiful, gripping, sophisticated and emotional ride from start to finish. Tracks such as “Two” and “In A Dream” are incredibly emotional and tender songs that will make the lovestruck heart flutter and the longing heart wrench, while tracks such as “Dizzying View” and “Summer Song” offer incredibly powerful vocal performances that play in grand instrumental playgrounds which are easy to get lost in but will always leave the listener smiling. The album always reaches for the stars and nails it every time, with each track creating an experience that stands tall on its own and becomes emotionally moving when taken as a whole. “A Thousand Times Brighter” is an unforgettable listening experience that shouldn’t be missed, with incredibly powerful performances from seasoned musicians that will leave you breathless.
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