The Bright Light Social Hour - Space Is Still the Place (2015)

Questions bring art to life. Songs can still ponder socio-political issues, the fragility and isolation of the human condition, and what lies ahead for earth. Moreover, music possesses the potential and gravitas to incite change, while reflecting the world's faults and follies. The Bright Light Social Hour contemplate a ''Future South'' on their second full-length album, ''Space Is Still the Place'' (Frenchkiss Records). Traversing the country and cranking tunes in the van, the collective musical palette expanded, embracing influences as diverse as deep house icon Frankie Knuckles, dance renegades Disclosure, Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, and Detroit Afrorock revolutionaries Black Merda. Everything siphoned into the vision behind ''Space Is Still the Place.'' Building a studio in their Austin home, the boys began their musical journey in early 2013. ''Space Is The Place'' was recorded/produced by the band themselves, mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Future Islands) and mastered by Greg Calbi (Tame Impala, The War on Drugs). The Austin artists Curtis Roush [guitar, vocals, synths], Jack O'Brien [bass, vocals, synths], Joseph Mirasole [drums, synths] offer a different interpretation of the space around them throughout ten thematically connected songs. They tackle a myriad of issues head on during tracks such as ''Ghost Dance'' and ''Ouroboros,'' while ''Infinite Cities'' contemplates loneliness and ''Escape Velocity'' subtly hints at a orgiastic ending.