Thurston Moore - Flow Critical Lucidity (Album Review)
Wednesday, 02 October 2024
Written by Jack McGill
The first thing that comes to mind when Thurston Moore’s name is mentioned will always be Sonic Youth, a band that made indie-rock all the more malleable for later generations. But since their demise he has had his finger in many pies, as a teacher, author, label owner and solo artist, which is where we find him on the meditative ‘Flow Critical Lucidity’.
The opener New In Town is a quasi-ambient guitar piece where Moore recites a soliloquy (written by regular collaborator Radieux Radio) that’s hell bent on reliving the feeling of being a teen curious about punk in the 1980s. From this nostalgic starting point, though, everything that lies ahead is incredibly present as Moore’s ever-changing palette keeps you rooted to the spot.
Teetering between autumnal airiness (Sans Limites) and brooding angst (Shadow), Moore cycles through aesthetics while maintaining a sense of gloom. He also doesn’t miss an opportunity to slot in audaciously fuzzy riffs whilst the time is right, naturally.
Hypnogram feels like melting into a shag carpet as Moore manipulates echoing and constantly reorienting sonics, occasionally allowing them to collide. He handles the lengthy tracks with particular grace, stretching them like gooey candy and allowing them to pool into something hallucinogenic.
‘Flow Critical Lucidity’ ends on a poignant note with The Diver, mapping the death of a researcher in Lake Geneva during the album’s making. Closing the record with the lyrics “Sirens, bells, and baby seagulls sing for the diver” Moore manages to find a mindful response to tragedy. It’s another reminder that his expansive mind is a delight to wander around in, whatever you may find.
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