Midnight Masses - Departures (2014)

With a name like Midnight Masses, you would expect that religion plays a role in the making of the sound of the band. Evidently, there is some sort of spiritual and introspective feel attached to the tracks featured on ‘Departures’ – the band’s latest offering. Midnight Masses started off as a project by Autry Fulbright (of …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead) to therapeutically deal with the passing of his father and several other friends.

Whilst previous material seemed to be about dealing with pain and grief, years later ‘Departures’ provides more of a reflection as well as celebration of life. For instance, the track ‘Am I A Nomad?’ voices what life is like being constantly on tour. This mellow tune that poses the question in its title, reflects the way a musician is constantly on the road and finds more solace in that than being in one specific place. It is calm, with a little air of mystery to it provided by slight echoes, fitting greatly to the content of the song.

This album is very diverse, bringing in folk, soul, psychedelic and of course religious influences into the essentially rocky sound of the band. The title track feels very ambient and relaxing, and at times even a little out of this world, as provided by the somewhat static outro of the song. Emphasis seems to be put more on the instrumentals rather than the vocals and lyrical content on this one. With ‘Clap Your Hands’, Midnight Masses prove that they can be groovy too. Though it be a short song, the fun melody and upbeat pace is one to bop along to.

‘Departures’ closes with an emotional letter to Fulbright’s father, titled ‘There Goes Our Man’. “I’ve got so much to say to you father, yesterday just wasn’t the time. And as you lay there in your deathbed, sometimes I feel I’m laying in mine,” Fulbright sings, displaying how caught off guard one can be by untimely death. Here is a fine example of saving the best for last, as this song’s honesty will grip you at your heartstrings.

All in all, Midnight Masses provide their fans with an interesting listening experience with ‘Departures’. Its variety brings in a different vibe in each track; going from funky to sombre in a matter of seconds. For music fans who are fond of experimentation, this therapeutic album will be one for you.