A fascinating and immersive new album, from a sister trio ranging from age 11 to 20 – Seattle group Sad Dad Autumn capture a story and scenes that are poetic and unique, by way of dreamy harmonised arrangements and songs, aligned through the poignant depths of The Great Dying.
Inspired by the Permian extinction, ‘the greatest loss the Earth has ever known’, Sad Dad Autumn channel the voices of extinction both universally and personally, and the result is an album of intriguing lyrical poems and takes, presented through layered voices, acoustic instruments, and a variety of set-ups – from the ambient church echo to the intimate, fireside warmth. The title-track is the former, all-consuming in its vastness and call, while Gut Punch is suddenly very personal, genuine, and offers a more individual reflection and clarity of lyric.
Sad Dad Autumn appear fairly unconfined by genre, but their voices untie in delicacy and gentle passion, to provide clear calling cards throughout the 12 tracks of this album. For songs like Wake, there’s a touch of haunting dissonance, and something driven by pure creative expression and story. Then afterwards, the brightness of an acoustic web for Pthalo offers something like blissful escapism, as you fall into the music.
There’s so much to witness, notice and unpack, but in short, Sad Dad Autumn have settled upon a sound and songwriting approach that’s entirely their own right now. If you’re interested in the feelings and stories of grief, in Greek mythology, the natural world, and the cinematic possibilities of organic music – The Great Dying is a rather spellbinding place to lose yourself for a while.
Album out November 14th – Pre-save. Find Sad Dad Autumn on Instagram, Facebook.
