Endling - The Heavy Frigate (2021)

The Heavy Frigate is the second full length album of Ashley Collins brainchild Endling, hailing from the unusual musical source of portside Rochester. Speaking from experience, the British coasts of past-glories are now some of the most uniquely depressing places. A reminder of what was, perhaps, abandoned arcades and shops, and frankly, ***e weather. However, the coast provides a land of infinite opportunities provided one has a boat and an urge. This album conveys such a journey taken. Thus, in a precursor Endling writes that, ‘The Heavy Frigate is a compendium of conflict told through a nautical lens - of calm seas that belie the frantic happenings below, of arduous journeys bereft of destination’. It’s one which is equally as rich in aura, as it is in performance.

In the same vein, The Heavy Frigate feels familiar. Perhaps this is through its composition, which effortlessly floats in a luscious dream-pop ambience, backed with gently tapping minimalist percussion that is blissfully accompanied by the vocals’ monotone croon. This in turn makes space for more luxurious sonics, such as twinkly sparse keys, and ambient droning waves washing over the surface. It’s comfortable, welcoming. Lyrically, the album is similarly successful, if not more so. Centred through a nautical lens, our narrator applies seemingly distant naval themes to poetry relatable to the listener. There are consistent motifs throughout the runtime of longing, uncertainty and inevitability, developing a landscape not too dissimilar in feeling to the album’s artwork. Sonically, Endling here holds his influences at arms-length. It’s familiar, but not off-puttingly.

Where this familiar feeling truly comes to the forefront is in regards to something almost unexplainable. As per the earlier mentioned documentary, it’s the all-encompassing feeling of comfort that is key here. Using the language of its nautical theme, the album floats effortlessly tranquil over the sometimes-harsh waves detailed lyrically. It’s within these ambient moments of zen-like patience where it truly shines. To fans of this seemingly placid corner of music, this is the pull. When done well, this comatose bliss and paradoxical sense of vague melancholy truly carries the listener. The harsh waves of sea can look so good from afar, and sometimes music helps one float on through. This is an album which succeeds in doing so.