That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s debut album, ‘Learning To Live With Less’, is a sonic tapestry blending of familiar and distinct sounds – a post-punk aesthetic with a warming indie-folk musical approach. The album showcases the band’s musical prowess and their ability to seamlessly combine rich and varied musicality to create an emotional yet driven alt-indie-emo-folk experience. From the catchy hooks to the intertwining musicality and emotive-quirky-story-telling lyricism, each track on the album leaves a lasting impression.
Lead singer and bassist, Ashley, gives each song a grounding pulse and central catchy melodies delivered with an effortless sense of charisma and emotion. Phoenix’s striking violin and synth offerings add a unique texture to the music, while Gabe’s impeccable drum grooves and James’ vibrant guitar sounds complete the sonic landscape, breathing life into each song with a sense of inventive creativity and some moments of absolute beauty, such as the brilliant intertwining, rich musicality on display in ‘Parchment’.
One of the standout tracks on the album is ‘Despite My Height,’ which holds a special place in That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s journey. The song’s origins can be traced back to a difficult breakup and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period of isolation, Ashley found solace in creating music, pouring their emotions into new tunes and lyrics. The chorus of ‘Despite My Height’ caught their attention, and from there, the verses and pre-chorus flowed effortlessly. The result is a heartfelt and introspective track that navigates themes of personal growth and the lingering feelings of a past relationship.
“‘Despite My Height’ is first and foremost a coming-of-age song. It uses the loss of a relationship to highlight the feeling that everything changes except oneself, even if that’s not entirely true,” explains That Old Quiet Lighthouse. “The chorus and title were initially inspired by my return to my hometown after years of studying in Manchester, feeling out of place. The verses and pre-chorus reflect on my past relationship, acknowledging that the end doesn’t necessarily signify the end of my feelings. On the other hand, the chorus and outro explore who I am separate from those emotions. It’s like two songs in one, I suppose.”
‘Learning To Live With Less’ took shape over a couple of months at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020. The album sat in demo form for a year, as Ashley grappled with the uncertainty of the music industry while working full-time in the care sector. It wasn’t until 2022, when Ashley made the decision to recommit to music full-time, that the album started to take its final form. With the addition of drums and bass, That Old Quiet Lighthouse breathed life into their debut release, delivering a collection of tracks that resonate with authenticity and raw emotion.
The album stays true to That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s commitment to infusing the emo genre with a wholesome and heartfelt touch. Drawing inspiration from the keen and emotionally charged lyricism of Pinegrove, the bittersweet textures of Alex G, and a pinch of Big Thief’s passionate instrumental virtuosity, ‘Learning To Live With Less’ strikes a delicate balance between introspection and musicality.
This nine-track offering serves as an ode to life itself, showcasing the band’s maturity and versatility. From its inception as a breakup album fueled by the isolation and despair of the first lockdown, it evolved into a deeper exploration of memory, loss, and personal growth. Each song represents a chapter in the healing process, where the band encourages listeners to frame their experiences in a positive light and find solace in embracing a simpler, more meaningful existence.
As a debut album, ‘Learning To Live With Less’ is an ambitious endeavor that doesn’t shy away from musical variety. With multiple featured singers, the inclusion of violin, synths, cello, and captivating solos across various instruments, That Old Quiet Lighthouse delivers a rich and immersive listening experience. The album showcases the band’s potential and sets the stage for their promising future in the music industry.
In a world where the noise of daily life can overwhelm, That Old Quiet Lighthouse’s ‘Learning To Live With Less’ offers a respite—a musical journey that resonates with listeners on a profound level. It’s an album that speaks to the core of human emotions, reminding us of the power of music to heal, inspire, and evoke a sense of hope. With this debut release, That Old Quiet Lighthouse has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the alt-indie-emo-folk landscape, leaving us eagerly anticipating what they have in store for us next.
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