Russell RockwellLong after the brief 7-inch from Thayer Sarrano concludes, the contemplative mood both tracks incite seems to hang in the air. Though only a single song, the expansive A-side is comprised of twelve meditative couplets that work as a hymn, while the B-side is a cover of Leonard Cohen. Both songs are equally suited for the season, though the open-ended pastoral philosophy of the record is a foil for the crisp realizations of autumn.
Sarrano’s dreamy songwriting often gets labelled as psychedelic, but her poeticisms are so spiritually minded that transcendental might be a better descriptor. It’s been nearly 10 years since she released her velvety debut Kings, and her songwriting continues to broaden with each passing year. Her underrated 2015 LP Shaky was a delicate paean to the trials of existence. On songs like “Quiet State of Panic” Sarrano guided the listener through the delicate tendrils of mental and emotional stability which twist and snap so easily with the passage of time.
The imposing shadows of depression have been replaced by romantic grandeur on “I Will Never Be Used to Your Beauty,” but Sarrano still writes with a grave longing. According to her press release, the track is a “love song to the universe,” but it has the theological grounding of a prayer. Sarrano even references “The Dark Night of the Soul,” a poem written by 16th century mystic St. John of the Cross.
If the A-side is baptism with rejuvenating water, then the flip side is baptism with a cleansing fire. It’s no wonder that Sarrano, who was raised in a monastic seminary, identifies with the mysticism of Leonard Cohen, and it helps to explain how she channels his longing and acceptance so seamlessly into her own spiritual universe. As a song, “If It Be Your Will” first appeared on Cohen’s 1984 LP Various Positions, but its genesis was as a poem in his collection of contemporary psalms, Book of Mercy. The acute, poignant track is well known as one of the seminal songwriter’s favorite and most personal songs, and Sarrano responds with the utmost reverence, imbuing an ancient spirit of devotion upon the listener.
“I Will Never Be Used to Your Beauty” b/w “If It Be Your Will” is out tomorrow. Pre-orders are available here.
Thayer Sarrano will perform on Fri., Oct. 19 at the 40 Watt alongside Kikagaku Moyo and Calico Vision. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $12 in advance or $14 at the door. 18+ to enter.
More Info
Web: thayersarrano.com
Bandcamp: thayersarrano.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @thayersarrano
SoundCloud: @thayersarrano
Twitter: @thayersarrano